Baked Pesto Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Cheese: Your New Favorite Easy Dinner

Discover the magic of Baked Pesto Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese, a dish so effortlessly delicious it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Imagine perfectly tender chicken breasts, infused with vibrant, aromatic pesto, complemented by the sweet and savory notes of sun-dried tomatoes, all crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that feels gourmet yet comes together with minimal fuss. This recipe is your secret weapon for busy weeknights, offering deep, satisfying taste with just a few minutes of prep. The oven does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to enjoy your evening.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Oven-Baked Pesto Chicken Breast Recipe

For years, this easy oven-baked pesto chicken breast recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen, consistently delivering a meal that brings smiles and a comfortable quiet to the dinner table. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a proven success story for home cooks seeking both flavor and convenience. The harmonious blend of robust pesto and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes creates a Mediterranean-inspired profile that’s simply irresistible. Add to that the golden, crispy breadcrumb topping and melted cheese, and you have a dish that truly seals the deal. We often enjoy it with a simple, crisp green salad or some perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables, allowing the vibrant flavors of the chicken to shine. Rest assured, this recipe has been meticulously tested (and retested!) to guarantee perfect results every single time you make it.

Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic Behind the Flavorful Pesto Chicken

The beauty of this cheesy pesto chicken bake lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, satisfying flavor profile:

• Chicken Breasts: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein content and quick cooking time. Slicing them partially open allows us to create a pocket for the pesto, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful from the inside out. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and taste.
• Green Pesto: This vibrant sauce is the star, bringing a punch of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. It coats the chicken, infusing it with its aromatic essence. While store-bought pesto works wonderfully for convenience, feel free to use homemade pesto if you have it on hand for an even fresher taste.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are flavor powerhouses. When dried, their natural sweetness intensifies, and their savory, umami notes become more pronounced. They add a beautiful pop of color and a concentrated burst of Mediterranean flavor that perfectly complements the pesto. Using oil-packed, julienned sun-dried tomatoes makes prep even easier.
• Old Cheese (or other hard cheese): A good, aged cheese, like a sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or an aged Gouda (referred to as “old cheese” in some regions), provides a salty, nutty, and tangy counterpoint to the other ingredients. It melts beautifully, creating a golden, crusty top that adds texture and depth. For a milder, creamier finish, mozzarella is also an excellent choice.
• Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs are essential for that delightful crispy topping. They toast up in the oven, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and gooey cheese. Panko breadcrumbs are particularly good for extra crispiness.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Flavorful Pesto Chicken

This baked pesto chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and cheese is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Simple Green Salad: A classic pairing. A light vinaigrette dressing with fresh greens provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
• Pasta: A simple buttered pasta, or pasta tossed with a light tomato sauce, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. You could even use some of the pesto from the chicken to lightly coat the pasta.
• Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy bed of white or brown rice, or protein-rich quinoa, can absorb the delicious juices from the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Because, really, can you ever go wrong with garlic bread alongside an Italian-inspired dish? It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto.
• Creamy Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting meal, serve the chicken over a creamy polenta or a velvety smooth mashed potato dish.

Variations & Customizations: Make This Pesto Chicken Recipe Your Own

One of the best things about this easy pesto chicken recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your personal taste:

• Pesto Power Play: While green pesto is traditional, try swapping it for red pesto (made with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and almonds) for an even sweeter and richer flavor profile. Or, for a dairy-free option, use a nut-free or vegan pesto.
• Cheese, Please! If you prefer a milder, creamier topping, mozzarella cheese is an excellent alternative to aged cheese. You can also mix different cheeses, like provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding finely chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or thinly sliced bell peppers to the pesto mixture before stuffing the chicken.
• Herbacious Twist: A sprinkle of fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary over the chicken before baking can add an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle them over the chicken before baking.
• Different Proteins: While chicken breast is ideal, this method can also work with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more forgiving cut of meat. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Meal Prep & Storage: Planning Ahead for Deliciousness

This baked pesto chicken is not only fantastic fresh but also makes for excellent leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to handle it:

• Can I Make This Ahead? Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken dish earlier in the day, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop it into the preheated oven and bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to streamline your dinner routine on busy evenings.
• Refrigerate: Ensure any leftover chicken cools quickly to room temperature (within 2 hours). Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm.
• Freeze: For longer storage, cool the baked chicken completely. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating from frozen is not recommended as it can affect texture.

📖 Recipe

In conclusion, this Baked Pesto Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines ease with extraordinary flavor. Its simple preparation, reliable results, and incredible taste make it a perfect choice for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on quality. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it for guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful chicken bake as much as we do!