Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy One-Dish Meal!

Looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake is exactly what you need. With tender chicken breasts smothered in rich pesto sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and a golden Parmesan topping, this dish delivers all the creamy, herby, cheesy goodness in one irresistible baked meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this chicken bake is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe guarantees big flavor with minimal effort.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this creamy cheesy pesto chicken bake from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake

This isn’t just another baked chicken recipe—it’s a flavor-packed, creamy comfort dish made with fresh ingredients that keep you full and satisfied.

Here’s why it stands out:

• 🍗 Tender, juicy chicken : Baked to perfection without drying out.
• 🧀 Loaded with cheese : Melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan deliver rich flavor.
• 🌿 Fresh pesto flavor : Adds brightness and depth with basil, garlic, and olive oil.
• 🥦 Healthy & satisfying : High in protein, low in carbs (optional).
• 🍽️ One-dish meal : Minimal cleanup, maximum convenience.
• ⏱️ Ready in under 40 minutes
• 🧁 Great for meal prep : Keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just looking for a delicious dinner idea, this cheesy pesto chicken bake will become a household favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pesto Layer:

• 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk (for a lighter version)
• Optional: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side , until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Tip: Don’t skip searing—it adds great flavor and color.

Step 3: Mix the Pesto Sauce

In a bowl, combine pesto and heavy cream (or milk). Stir well until smooth.

Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the pesto layer for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto-coated chicken.

In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the mozzarella.

Optional: Add a final layer of breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a crunchy texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450 kcal
Total Fat	~28 g
Saturated Fat	~12 g
Cholesterol	~100 mg
Sodium	~600 mg
Total Carbs	~5 g
Dietary Fiber	~1 g
Net Carbs	~4 g
Protein	~40 g

Note: Values may vary based on brand of pesto and toppings used.

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Tips for the Best Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake

1. Use quality pesto – Homemade or high-quality store-bought makes a huge difference.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken – Searing first helps retain moisture.
3. Add veggies for more nutrition – Try spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms under the pesto layer.
4. Make it spicier – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.
5. Double the recipe – Perfect for meal prep or freezing leftovers.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Use pork panko instead of breadcrumbs and ensure your pesto is sugar-free.

Chicken Thighs Option

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier result.

Vegetarian Pesto Bake

Replace chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms.

Alfredo Twist

Mix pesto with alfredo sauce for a creamy green twist.

Crispy Top Version

Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra golden crust.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes and cover with foil to prevent burning.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze this dish?

Wrap individual portions tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

What can I serve with this chicken bake?

Great served with:

• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Cauliflower rice
• Green salad

Is this dairy-free?

Not by default, but you can use dairy-free cheese and vegan pesto if preferred.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:

• The chicken stays juicy thanks to a quick sear and creamy sauce.
• The pesto adds brightness and herbal richness.
• The cheese melts beautifully , creating a gooey, golden finish.
• And the topping gives it that irresistible crunch .

It’s the kind of dish that makes eating at home feel like dining out—because it tastes so good.

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Serving Suggestions

Looking for creative ways to serve your cheesy pesto chicken bake beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:

With Garlic Bread

Serve with warm garlic bread or keto-friendly breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.

Over Pasta

Toss with cooked pasta or zucchini noodles for a quick pesto pasta dish.

On a Sandwich

Shred leftover chicken and pile onto ciabatta rolls with arugula and a drizzle of pesto.

As Meal Prep

Divide into containers with sides like mashed cauliflower or roasted broccoli for easy lunches.

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of some of the core ingredients:

Chicken Breast

High in lean protein, supports muscle growth and satiety.

Pesto (Basil, Olive Oil, Garlic)

Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and heart-healthy fats.

Mozzarella & Parmesan

Good sources of calcium and protein; support bone and dental health.

Even though this dish feels indulgent, it’s also nutrient-dense and satisfying—perfect for fueling your body while keeping your taste buds happy.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its creamy pesto layer, gooey cheese topping, and juicy chicken base, it’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating clean.

Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just someone who loves rich, flavorful meals, this chicken bake deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with friends, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something truly special.

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