Herbed Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken Bake
Experience a burst of flavors with this Herbed Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken Bake. Juicy chicken breasts are smeared with zesty pesto and coated with a crunchy topping of seasoned breadcrumbs and rich sun-dried tomatoes, infusing each bite with a delightful aroma. Designed for the busy home cook, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or picnics. Serve it hot from the oven or enjoy it cold for a refreshing take on chicken. This versatile dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
seasoned dry bread crumb
1/2 cup (no preparation needed, use directly)
sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
2 tablespoons (finely chopped and drained)
reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoon (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes)
cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed, use directly)
prepared pesto sauce
1/4 cup (no preparation needed, use directly)
bone-in skinless chicken breast halves
4 pieces (no preparation needed, use directly)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2
In a shallow bowl, mix together seasoned bread crumbs, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and cracked black pepper until evenly combined.
3
Spread a generous layer of prepared pesto sauce on the top side of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.
4
Dip each pesto-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to coat each piece evenly.
5
Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, placing them breast side up.
6
Drizzle the reserved tomato oil evenly over the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture.
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) and the juices run clear.
8
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken Bake?
It is a flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smeared with zesty pesto and coated in a crunchy topping of seasoned breadcrumbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
What are the primary ingredients for this chicken bake?
The main ingredients include seasoned dry bread crumbs, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, cracked black pepper, prepared pesto sauce, and bone-in skinless chicken breast halves.
How should I prepare the oven and baking pan?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
How do I make the breadcrumb mixture?
In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper.
How is the pesto applied to the chicken?
Spread a generous layer of prepared pesto sauce on the top side of each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully covered.
How do I coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs?
Dip each pesto-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb and tomato mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating on each piece.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 pieces of bone-in skinless chicken breast halves.
How should the chicken be arranged in the baking dish?
Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish with the breast side facing up.
What should I do with the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes?
Drizzle one tablespoon of the reserved tomato oil evenly over the chicken before baking to enhance the flavor and moisture.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The chicken should be baked at 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
Bake the chicken for approximately 40 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) and the juices run clear.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is designed for meal prep and can be prepared ahead of time.
How long can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?
The cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Is this chicken bake suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is a fantastic option for picnics as it can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Absolutely, serving it cold offers a refreshing take on the dish.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 6 simple ingredients.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and uses skinless chicken breasts.
What kind of pesto should I use?
You can use any high-quality prepared pesto sauce available at the store.
What does the sun-dried tomato oil add to the dish?
The reserved oil infuses the chicken with extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the baking process.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
The recipe specifically calls for skinless chicken breast halves.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a burst of zesty pesto, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 4 pieces of chicken breast halves, it typically serves 4 people.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
While the recipe specifies bone-in, you can use boneless, but you may need to reduce the baking time.
Do I need to chop the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes should be finely chopped and drained before being mixed with the breadcrumbs.
What makes the topping crunchy?
The combination of seasoned bread crumbs and sun-dried tomatoes, pressed firmly onto the pesto, creates the crunchy crust.
Is this an easy recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and designed for the busy home cook.
How do I ensure the breading stays on the chicken?
The pesto acts as a binder; pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly into the pesto-coated chicken helps it adhere.