Why You’ll Love this Creamy Pesto Chicken
Three reasons you’ll love this creamy pesto chicken recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just coat the chicken, bake, add toppings, and bake again. Second, the combination of homemade pesto sauce and melty provolone cheese creates a rich, indulgent flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday, freeze the extras, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner ready to reheat on busy weeknights. I’m convinced the mushrooms on top add that perfect umami finish, taking this dish from good to absolutely crave-worthy. Trust me, this’ll become your new go-to.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Pesto Chicken?
Making homemade pesto chicken is all about combining simple, flavorful ingredients to create something truly special. The star of this dish is obviously the chicken, but it’s the combination of herby pesto and melty provolone that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something restaurant-worthy.
I’ve found that using quality ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe, especially when it comes to the pesto and cheese.
- 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 ounce pesto sauce mix
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 9 ounces gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 4 slices provolone cheese, cut in half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms
- Non-stick cooking spray
While the recipe calls for pesto sauce mix, you could certainly substitute homemade pesto if you have fresh basil on hand. Just blend about 2 cups fresh basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
The gluten-free breadcrumbs are perfect for those with dietary restrictions, but regular breadcrumbs work beautifully if gluten isn’t a concern. And don’t skimp on the mushrooms—they add a wonderful earthy flavor that complements the bright pesto perfectly.
You might think it’s a lot of chicken, but that’s intentional for meal prep purposes, giving you enough to enjoy now and freeze for later.
How to Make this Creamy Pesto Chicken
Making this pesto chicken is surprisingly simple, even though the results look like something from a fancy Italian restaurant. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and grabbing a 9 x 12 inch glass baking dish. Give the dish a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking issues later—trust me, cleaning baked-on pesto isn’t how anyone wants to spend their evening.
While the oven heats up, prepare your 1/2 ounce of pesto sauce mix according to package directions, using 1/4 cup of olive oil. Next, take your 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts and lightly moisten them with water, shaking off any excess. This little trick helps the 9 ounces of gluten-free breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken.
Once the breasts are nicely coated, arrange them in your prepared baking dish, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking gets the chicken partially cooked before we add all those delicious toppings.
Remove the chicken from the oven when the timer dings, and this is where the magic happens. Spread your prepared pesto sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then top each one with half a slice of provolone cheese (you’ll use 4 slices total, each cut in half).
For a professional touch when mixing your ingredients, a premium KitchenAid mixer can make preparation much more efficient and enjoyable. When serving this delicious meal, consider presenting it on a cheese board set for an elegant dinner party display. Scatter 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms over the cheese layer, creating a beautiful, layered effect. Pop the dish back into the oven, uncovered this time, for another 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melty, and the mushrooms are tender. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this last baking stage? Simply divine.
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, don’t forget you can freeze two breasts in a quart-size zip lock bag for a quick dinner another night—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Substitutions and Variations
Looking for ways to customize this pesto chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences or pantry availability?
I’ve got some simple swaps that’ll make this dish work for nearly any situation.
Try using mozzarella or fontina instead of provolone for a different melt factor.
Not a fan of mushrooms? Substitute roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for equally delicious results.
For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and add nutritional yeast to your breadcrumbs for that savory kick.
Can’t find pesto sauce mix? Make your own with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil blended until smooth.
What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken
When you’ve got a showstopping pesto chicken as your main attraction, choosing the right supporting players becomes essential for a balanced meal.
I love pairing this dish with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli that won’t compete with those savory pesto flavors.
A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness, while garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for sopping up any extra sauce (because wasting that creamy goodness should be illegal, right?).
For a heartier option, consider serving over pasta or alongside roasted potatoes.
Just remember, these sides should complement, not overwhelm your star dish.
Final Thoughts
This homemade pesto chicken recipe has truly revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine.
The combination of herby pesto sauce with melty provolone creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
What I love most is how versatile it is—perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests.
For an exciting variation, consider serving it in spaghetti squash boats for a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta.
The make-ahead option is a lifesaver, too. Just pop a few portions in the freezer, and you’ve got a gourmet meal waiting for those hectic days.
Trust me, once you try this gluten-free pesto chicken, it’ll become a permanent addition to your recipe collection.
For a different Italian-inspired option, you might enjoy a classic Chicken Alfredo recipe that uses convenient ingredients like cream of mushroom soup for a quick and satisfying meal.
