Pesto Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Pesto Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make American dinner recipe featuring tender breaded chicken breasts topped with fragrant basil pesto, savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauces and Cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour on one plate, beaten eggs in a shallow dish, and breadcrumbs spread on another plate. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown; this sears the chicken and locks in moisture. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of basil pesto on top of each breast, then spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over the pesto layer. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top for rich, melted flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delightful topping.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot alongside pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto or make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian breadcrumbs.
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own to ensure the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results to maintain the crispy texture and melted cheese.
Keywords: Pesto Chicken Parmesan, breaded chicken, basil pesto, marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, baked chicken, dinner recipe
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/pesto-chicken-parmesan-recipe/
