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–+ servings

Cheesy Pesto Chicken

40aprons.com/pesto-chicken/
This chicken and pesto dish has tender, juicy chicken smothered in the creamiest pesto sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese. An easy comfort food that will feed your family on a busy weeknight!
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 40 minutes
Recipe Makes (Approximate): 4

Equipment

  • 1 large baking dish (9x13 inch recommended)

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper
  • ½ cup pesto
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Season 4 chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Place in single layer in large baking dish.
  • Microwave 8 ounces cream cheese in 10-15 second bursts until very soft.
    Softened cream cheese and green pesto in glass bowl before mixing together
  • Stir in 1/2 cup pesto until completely combined.
    Creamy green pesto cream cheese mixture in glass bowl with white spoon
  • Spread the pesto cream cheese mixture generously onto each chicken breast.
    aw chicken breasts covered in green pesto cream mixture in white baking dish ready for oven
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts), or until no longer pink in the middle.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, then 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • Broil 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Let chicken rest about 3-5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

Check for Doneness: The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a thermometer for best results.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently at 325°F to prevent burning the cheese.
Prep Ahead: Season chicken and make pesto mixture up to 4 hours ahead, store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 605calProtein: 34gFat: 47gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 149mgSodium: 726mgPotassium: 354mgTotal Carbs: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gNet Carbs: 10gVitamin A: 1622IUCalcium: 237mgIron: 2mg
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
https://40aprons.com/pesto-chicken/