Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add broccoli florets: Scatter the fresh broccoli florets over and around the seasoned chicken breasts to ensure even baking.
- Pour pesto sauce: Pour the creamy pesto sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, coating them well for maximum flavor.
- 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.
- 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
