![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling) - Baking dish - Aluminum foil - Measuring cups and spoons In this recipe, chicken thighs steal the show. They stay juicy and tender during baking. You can use homemade or store-bought basil pesto. The pesto adds a great flavor that pairs well with the chicken. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst, while mozzarella cheese adds creaminess. You will also need some olive oil to keep the chicken moist. A touch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. If you want, drizzle balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor. Make sure you have a good baking dish to hold everything. Aluminum foil helps the chicken cook evenly. Measuring cups and spoons keep your ingredients precise. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. Gather your ingredients and equipment, and let’s get cooking! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Take a baking dish and drizzle olive oil. Spread it evenly across the bottom. - Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. - Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. - Spread the pesto generously over each chicken piece. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. - Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. - Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes. - Make sure the chicken hits 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly. - Take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle balsamic glaze if you like. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. To get juicy baked chicken, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken thighs for about 25 minutes covered with foil. This keeps the moisture in. After that, remove the foil and add cheese for 15 more minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and packed with flavor. You can choose between homemade or store-bought pesto. Homemade pesto often has fresher flavors. You can make it with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. If you use store-bought, pick a high-quality brand for the best taste. Feel free to mix in other herbs like parsley or cilantro for a twist. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes for heat. To make your dish look great, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch of color. You can drizzle balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor and a glossy finish. Serve the baked pesto chicken with sides like rice or a simple salad. This adds balance to your meal and makes it more filling. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins or veggies in this recipe. Try using chicken breasts, turkey, or even tofu for a plant-based option. If you want a lighter dish, use zucchini or eggplant instead of chicken. For cheese, there are great dairy-free options. Look for almond or cashew-based cheeses. These melt well and add flavor without dairy. Adding spices can take your dish to the next level. Try garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning. These spices enhance the pesto and give your chicken a nice kick. You can also customize the sauces. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors. For a twist, use sun-dried tomato pesto or even a spicy harissa sauce. Meal prep is easy with baked pesto chicken. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Just divide it into containers for quick lunches or dinners. If you have leftovers, get creative! Chop the chicken and toss it into salads or wraps. You can also serve it over pasta or rice for a hearty meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To store your baked pesto chicken, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents odors from mixing. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze baked pesto chicken. Cut it into portions for easy meals later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Baked pesto chicken is perfect for meal prep. Cook a big batch on the weekend. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or salad throughout the week. For family-friendly storage, try using individual containers. This makes it easy to grab a meal for busy days. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is ready. Cooking to this temperature ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. However, the cooking time will change. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. Baked pesto chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Quinoa or rice - Mashed potatoes These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and make a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. This blog post covered the ingredients, steps, and tips for making baked pesto chicken. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken thighs, basil pesto, and mozzarella cheese. I also shared storage tips for leftovers and ways to customize the dish. Enjoying a delicious meal is simple when you have the right recipe. With these steps, you'll impress your family and friends. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy every bite!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b060b40b-d71e-41f9-b529-79307b238458-250x250.webp)
Baked Pesto Chicken
Discover the deliciousness of Baked Pesto Chicken with this easy recipe! This mouthwatering dish combines juicy chicken thighs, savory basil pesto, fresh cherry tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a meal the whole family will love. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your taste buds!