Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are baked with fresh broccoli, creamy pesto, and melted mozzarella, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup creamy pesto sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Scatter the fresh broccoli florets evenly over the seasoned chicken.
4. Step 4: Pour the creamy pesto sauce evenly over both the chicken and broccoli.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade pesto for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan to deepen the cheesy taste.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• For extra vegetables, include sliced cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
• If you prefer, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through to preserve the crispy topping. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the breadcrumbs.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish watery.

What can I substitute for creamy pesto sauce?

You can mix store-bought pesto with cream cheese or sour cream to achieve a similar creamy texture if you don’t have ready-made creamy pesto.

Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Bake Recipe

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A comforting and flavorful Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Bake featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and a rich pesto sauce topped with melted mozzarella and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce and Toppings

• 1 cup creamy pesto sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Other

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
3. Add broccoli florets: Scatter the fresh broccoli florets over and around the seasoned chicken breasts to ensure even baking.
4. Pour pesto sauce: Pour the creamy pesto sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, coating them well for maximum flavor.
5. Add cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by a layer of panko breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture after baking.
6. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Notes

• Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
• For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger families; use a bigger baking dish and increase cook time slightly.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
• To make the dish gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken, Broccoli Bake, Baked Chicken, Pesto Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner