Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken: A Quick and Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
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This Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! It’s an incredibly easy dinner that requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor. Juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and vibrant veggies are all roasted together in a flavorful basil pesto sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Say goodbye to mountains of dishes and hello to a delicious and stress-free meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the basil pesto! Its vibrant, fresh flavor infuses every ingredient with a burst of summer goodness. Using store-bought pesto is a fantastic shortcut, allowing you to enjoy that delicious herbal taste even when fresh basil isn’t in season. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to create this easy and flavorful sheet pan dinner:
- Chicken Breasts: The protein powerhouse of our meal. Aim for about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Red Potatoes: These add a hearty and satisfying element to the dish. About 1 ½ pounds, quartered for even cooking.
- Green Beans (Optional): For an extra boost of nutrients and vibrant color. 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness add a delightful flavor contrast. 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Olive Oil: Essential for coating the vegetables and promoting even roasting. About 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil.
- Basil Pesto: The flavor bomb! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto. ½ cup is usually the perfect amount.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything to perfection. Start with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and adjust to your liking.
- Mozzarella Slices (Optional): A melty, cheesy topping that adds a delicious final touch. Add slices of mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, golden-brown finish.
Consider adding other vegetables you enjoy! Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli florets would also be delicious additions to this sheet pan dinner.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
One of the best things about sheet pan meals is their simplicity. This Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken is no exception! It’s a complete and balanced meal, all cooked on a single pan. You get your protein, carbs, and veggies in one go, and the cleanup is a breeze. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward, yet the result is a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying meal. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to prepare and how much your family will enjoy it. Let’s get cooking!
- Prep the Sheet Pan: Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup even easier and prevents the chicken and vegetables from sticking. These are my absolute favorite baking sheets. Taking care of your baking sheets will keep them looking new for years. Avoiding the dishwasher will go a long way in keeping the baking sheets in tip-top shape.
- Prepare the Chicken: To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally, creating thinner cutlets. This will significantly reduce the cooking time.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared chicken with the potatoes, green beans (if using), cherry tomatoes, olive oil, basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the pesto and seasonings.
- Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are in a single layer for optimal roasting. Avoid overcrowding the pan. You may need two sheet pans.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re feeling extra cheesy, add mozzarella slices on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through and the cheese (if using) is melted and bubbly, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken!
This recipe is so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
More Delicious and Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Dinners
If you love the convenience and ease of sheet pan dinners, here are a few more chicken recipes to try:
- Zesty Healthy Orange Chicken: A flavorful and healthy twist on a classic takeout dish.
- Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables: A simple and satisfying meal with perfectly roasted chicken and your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- Sheet Pan Pretzel Crusted Chicken: A fun and crispy chicken dish with a delicious pretzel crust.
Sheet pan dinners are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and easy way to get a healthy meal on the table with minimal effort and cleanup!
Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken Recipe
Julia Pacheco
10
minutes
25
minutes
35
minutes
4
servings
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