Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of basil pesto, mayonnaise, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, baked to juicy perfection in just 30 minutes. A simple yet delicious meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast halves (about 1.25 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- ⅓ cup Hellman’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
- â…“ cup basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure crispiness. Season both sides with salt and pepper evenly.
- Assemble the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and basil pesto until well blended. Spoon this pesto mixture generously over each chicken breast, reserving some for serving later if desired.
- Add the Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the pesto-coated chicken breasts to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately while hot, optionally using the reserved pesto mixture as an extra sauce.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs provides a lighter, crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness to the pesto flavor.
- Leftover pesto mixture can be saved as a dipping sauce or spread.
- You can use store-bought pesto or homemade for customization of flavor.
