Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken: Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner!
Who doesn’t love pesto? I’m personally a huge fan, and I love making my own and using it for pasta dishes and salads.
But I’ve discovered another easy and delightful way to enjoy this delicious sauce: I now use it for Sheet Pan Chicken Pesto!
I make this dish when I’m craving something vibrant and fresh, like a meal straight from the garden. The combination of herbaceous pesto and juicy chicken is a full sensory experience.
Baking deepens the pesto sauce’s flavors and lets it seep through the chicken. This way, each bite is bright yet savory, with that perfect balance of nutty, fresh, and juicy flavors.
Of course, the simplicity is a welcome bonus. Everything bakes together on one pan, making it both practical and delicious.
This is a guaranteed palate pleaser for any night you and your family want a meal that feels both effortless and exciting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Healthy ingredients packed with flavor and nutrients
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
- Can be served with a lot of sides, making it ideal for a light lunch or a tasty dinner
The Story Behind the Recipe
Growing up, there was always a jar of homemade pesto in our fridge.
My mom’s famous pesto was vibrant, garlicky, and packed with fresh basil from our backyard garden. She added it to everything, which inspired me to use it in a new and exciting way.
I’ve taken that same comforting flavor and turned it into an easy, oven-roasted favorite: Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken.
It’s a meal that brings back those childhood memories of homemade pesto but with the convenience of a one-pan dinner that I can make any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade with basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep & Cook Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with pesto, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in that vibrant, aromatic sauce.
- Arrange the chicken on a lined sheet pan, making sure there’s space between each piece for even cooking.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini around the chicken, adding a splash of color to your dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, enhancing those fresh flavors.
- Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Expert Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken
- Use fresh pesto for a more robust flavor. Trust me, this makes a significant difference.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the pesto. I do this every time I make pesto sauce because it brightens the flavors.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Stir in extra pesto after roasting. Tossing the cooked chicken and veggies with a little fresh pesto before serving adds a final punch of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious pesto sauce!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQs About Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and develop a richer flavor when roasted. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs take longer to cook than breasts.
How do I prevent the pesto from burning in the oven?
To prevent burning, you can lightly coat the chicken with olive oil before adding the pesto or cover the pan loosely with foil for the first half of roasting.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, it’s great for freezing! Just assemble without cooking, freeze, and bake from frozen when ready.
Enjoy Every Bite of This Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken
I hope this sheet pan pesto chicken becomes a go-to dish in your kitchen, just like it is in mine! Perfect for cozy nights in or those special occasions, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table.
