4-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake: A Simple & Flavorful Dinner

Looking for an easy, mouthwatering dinner recipe? This 4-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake is the perfect solution! 🍽️

With just four simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken, creamy pesto, gooey cheese, and the crispy edges of baked goodness—what’s not to love? 😋

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal that will quickly become a family favorite. 👨‍🍳🔥

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ 4 Simple Ingredients – No fuss, just the basics.
✅ Super Easy to Make – Minimal prep and cleanup!
✅ Flavor-Packed – You’ll love the pesto and cheese combo.
✅ Perfect for Any Night – Quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner.

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Key Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires just a few ingredients, making it the perfect option for busy days. Here’s what you need to grab from your kitchen or store:

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish!
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken.

🌿 For the Pesto:

• ½ cup of basil pesto – Store-bought or homemade (we’ll talk about that in a bit).

🧀 For the Cheese:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the chicken.

🍅 For the Tomatoes (Optional):

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes – These add a burst of color and freshness. You can skip this if you prefer.

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Substitutions & Variations

Not a fan of any of the ingredients? Don’t worry! You can easily customize this recipe to your liking.

✔️ Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative for juicier results.

✔️ Vegan Pesto: For a vegan version, use dairy-free pesto and cheese alternatives.

✔️ Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.

✔️ Different Cheese: Feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for a different cheese experience.

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How to Make 4-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the perfect pesto chicken bake. 🍗

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🔥 Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken breasts.

• Trim the chicken: Remove any excess fat or skin, if necessary.
• Season: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. This helps elevate the flavor before you add any other ingredients.

💡 Pro Tip: For an even cook, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.

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🌿 Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Pesto

Now it’s time to add the pesto.

• Spread the pesto: Use a spoon or brush to spread an even layer of pesto over each piece of chicken. Make sure to cover every inch of the chicken for maximum flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: You can use homemade pesto for a fresh twist or store-bought pesto for convenience. Either way, the flavor will be incredible!

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🧀 Step 3: Add the Cheese

Once the chicken is coated in pesto, it’s time to add the cheese.

• Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of each piece of pesto-covered chicken.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a gooey, cheesy top? Add a little extra mozzarella to make the cheese melt beautifully and form a deliciously crispy crust.

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🍅 Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Now it’s time to let the oven work its magic.

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake: Place the pesto-covered chicken on a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
• Optional: During the last 5 minutes of baking, add cherry tomatoes around the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: For crispy edges, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

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Variations & Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to make your pesto chicken bake even more exciting!

🌿 Add Veggies:

You can easily add veggies to your dish. Consider throwing in some roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed zucchini.

🍝 Make It a One-Pan Meal:

Throw some pasta or rice into the baking dish to make a complete meal. You can even add a few extra spoonfuls of pesto on top for extra flavor!

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Serving Suggestions

This pesto chicken bake is the perfect main dish, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your meal:

🍚 With Rice or Quinoa:

Serve your pesto chicken bake over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and hearty meal.

🥗 With a Side Salad:

A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pesto and cheese.

🍞 With Garlic Bread:

If you’re craving carbs, serve the chicken with a side of crispy garlic bread for dipping into any leftover pesto sauce.

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Storage & Reheating

🧊 Storing Leftovers:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save leftovers for later, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated evenly.

💡 Pro Tip: Reheating in the oven will help preserve the crispy cheese topping!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🤔 Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken, pesto, and cheese the day before. Just cover and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and enjoy!

🤔 What If I Don’t Have Pesto?

If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can make your own using basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil. Alternatively, you can use store-bought pesto or even a sun-dried tomato spread.

🤔 Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will be even juicier than chicken breasts.

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Why This Recipe Works

This 4-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake is a go-to meal because it’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. The pesto adds a fresh herby flavor that pairs beautifully with tender, juicy chicken, while the mozzarella cheese creates a golden, gooey topping. 😍

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Conclusion: Easy, Flavorful, and Versatile!

This 4-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake is an easy and satisfying dinner option that anyone can make. 🍽️ Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need something quick and simple, this recipe checks all the boxes. With minimal ingredients, prep, and effort, you’ll have a flavorful, filling meal that’s sure to impress!

Give this simple yet delicious recipe a try today and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite. You’ll be making this again and again! 😋🍗