Pesto Chicken
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 8 servings
This Pesto Chicken is a family favorite. It is creamy, delicious and can be served served in a variety of ways based on what your family likes. The Pesto Chicken is packed with flavor and loved by both kids and adults. Since it is only a few simple ingredients and one dish, you can make it quickly and clean up is a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (3-4 chicken breasts)
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup basil pesto, prepared
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Garnish
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
- Mix softened cream cheese and pesto together until combined.
- Lay chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. Spread pesto mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165˚F.)
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Serve hot over rice, spinach, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
- If chicken breasts are thick, I recommend butterflying them (cutting in half so they are half the thickness) so that they cook more quickly and evenly.
- You can cut the chicken in half, chunks, or use chicken tenderloins in lieu of full chicken breasts to make serving easier. Cooking time may be reduced.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 3-5 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. The chicken reheats well, or can be shredded and mixed into the sauce for using on other dishes like pizza, manicotti, or in a panini.
Dietary Considerations:
This recipe is naturally gluten free, low carb, and friendly for low carb and keto diets.
Gluten free- make sure to check the labels on the pesto and cream cheese to ensure this. Most of the brands should be gluten free.
Weight Watchers Freestyle: 6 SmartPoints
Nutrition facts provided based on my best estimation for the recipe and may not be accurate depending on what brands you use or modifications you make to the recipe. I recommend using a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you use for the most accurate calculation.
©2018 The Pinning Mama- Recipe found at: https://www.thepinningmama.com/pesto-chicken/
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4 oz chicken plus sauce
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 300 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 20 g | 31% | |
Saturated Fat 9 g | 45% | |
Unsaturated Fat 1 g | ||
Cholesterol 101 mg | 34% | |
Sodium 469 mg | 20% | |
Total Carbohydrates 3 g | 1% | |
Sugars 2 g | ||
Protein 29 g | 58% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Recipe by The Pinning Mama at https://www.thepinningmama.com/pesto-chicken/