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Easy Baked Pesto Chicken

Juicy baked chicken breasts coated in a creamy basil pesto and mayonnaise mixture, topped with crispy golden panko breadcrumbs. A four-ingredient weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 365
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves about 1.25 lbs total
  • salt and pepper to taste, season all sides
  • 0.33 cup mayonnaise Hellman's or Best Foods preferred
  • 0.33 cup basil pesto store-bought refrigerated or homemade
  • 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs or more to taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
  2. Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet a few inches apart.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and basil pesto until smooth and fully combined. Spoon the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, spreading it out and keeping it from sliding off the edges. Reserve any unused sauce that has not touched raw chicken to serve alongside.
  4. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs generously over the pesto topping on each breast, using at least 3 tablespoons total. Press lightly with your fingers so they adhere.
  5. Bake at 425 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F and juices run clear. The panko should be golden and lightly crispy. Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip patting the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the coating adhere and the panko crisp up properly. Use refrigerated store-bought pesto for the freshest flavor. Do not freeze leftovers as the panko topping will become soggy. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or in an air fryer at 350 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness.