![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or high-quality store-bought) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Balsamic glaze (optional for a flavorful drizzle) When I make Baked Pesto Chicken, I love how simple and fresh the ingredients are. The chicken thighs become juicy and tender when you bake them. The pesto adds a burst of flavor that makes the dish shine. You can use homemade pesto or grab a jar from the store. Both options work great. The cherry tomatoes are a fun addition. They soften and sweeten as they cook, adding color and taste. I always choose fresh mozzarella for a creamy finish. The cheese melts beautifully on top of the chicken, creating a delicious layer. For seasoning, I use extra virgin olive oil to add richness. A sprinkle of sea salt and fresh pepper brings out the best flavors. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnishing. They add a bright look and a hint of aroma. If you want a tangy touch, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top. It’s optional but oh-so-good! These ingredients combine to create a dish that is both easy to make and delightful to eat. You’ll find the full recipe for Baked Pesto Chicken Delight in the article. It’s a dish that will impress anyone at your table! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Drizzle olive oil in the baking dish and spread evenly. To start, preheat your oven. This step is key for even cooking. While it warms up, grab a medium-sized baking dish. Add olive oil at the bottom. This will help keep the chicken from sticking. Make sure to spread the oil well. - Season chicken thighs with sea salt and pepper. - Coat each thigh generously with pesto. Now, take your chicken thighs. Sprinkle them with sea salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this adds flavor. Next, grab that delicious pesto. Use a spoon to coat each thigh well. The more pesto, the better. This will make the chicken juicy and packed with flavor. - Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken. - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Remove foil, add mozzarella, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through. Time to bake! Add halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. They bring a nice sweetness. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Be careful; steam will escape. Now, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. This will melt and create a cheesy layer. Bake for another 15 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! - Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. This is key to enjoying your meal. - Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices. - Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This adds color and flavor. - Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. The bread is great for soaking up juices. In my experience, these simple tips can elevate your dish. Enjoy making this baked pesto chicken! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with different proteins for baked pesto chicken. If you want a leaner option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs. They will still soak up the pesto flavor well. Another great choice is shrimp. The quick cooking time makes shrimp a fun twist. You can easily enjoy the same pesto goodness with a seafood flair. If you prefer a plant-based option, try using tofu. Firm tofu will soak up the pesto and give you a hearty meal. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess water. Adding flavor boosts the taste of your baked pesto chicken. One fun way is to incorporate roasted garlic. Roasting garlic makes it sweet and soft, adding depth to the dish. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the pesto. If you love citrus, try adding lemon zest. The zest adds a bright and fresh kick that balances the dish nicely. These flavor additions can elevate your meal and keep it exciting each time you make it. You can store leftover baked pesto chicken easily. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the cheese melty. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15-20 minutes. If you need a quick option, use the microwave. However, this may change the texture. The chicken might become a bit rubbery. For the best taste, I always recommend the oven! Yes, homemade pesto can enhance the flavor of the dish. Making your own pesto allows you to control the taste. You can adjust the garlic, cheese, and nuts to your liking. Fresh basil adds a bright note to the chicken. If you have a favorite recipe, use it! Consider pairing it with pasta, rice, or a salad. The chicken's rich flavor works well with many sides. You can toss pasta with olive oil and garlic for a simple dish. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Rice can soak up the tasty juices, making every bite better. Boneless chicken thighs typically take around 40 minutes in the oven. The key is to cook them until they reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you use bone-in thighs, they will take longer to cook. Always check the temperature in the thickest part. Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pesto and bread, if serving with it. Many store-bought pestos are gluten-free, but always check the labels. If you make your own pesto, you control the ingredients. This dish can fit into many diets without fuss. In this blog post, we covered how to make baked pesto chicken thighs. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, pesto, and cheese. We went through the simple steps for preparation and baking. I provided tips for cooking and serving this dish perfectly. Remember, you can add your twist by changing up proteins or flavors. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for another tasty meal. Enjoy cooking this easy dish that is full of flavor!](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b060b40b-d71e-41f9-b529-79307b238458-250x250.webp)
Baked Pesto Chicken
Discover the ultimate weeknight meal with this Baked Pesto Chicken Delight! Bursting with flavor from juicy chicken thighs, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is a must-try. Simple to prepare and ready in just 50 minutes, your family will love it!Enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner that’s sure to please!