Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake

Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Favorites

I absolutely love this Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake! The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant pesto, and a creamy sauce creates a dish that is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for weeknight dinners or when I’m hosting friends. The great thing is, it’s so easy to prepare—just mix everything together and let the oven do the work. Trust me, this will quickly become a favorite in your household too!

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:04:35.703Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake, I was astounded by how quickly it came together and the flavor it packed. The star of the dish is definitely the homemade pesto, which I whip up using fresh basil, garlic, and nuts for that extra punch. I found that using a combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a rich, luscious sauce that envelops the chicken beautifully.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, from cozy dinners to casual gatherings. I love serving it with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A little sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top right before serving elevates the flavors even more, making it truly irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy, luscious sauce that melds perfectly with tender chicken
Fresh basil pesto brings a burst of flavor and color
Simple ingredients come together effortlessly

The Role of Pesto

Pesto is not just a flavor enhancer; it plays a key role in creating the creamy texture that defines this dish. The fresh basil and garlic in the pesto bring brightness and depth to the overall profile, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and sour cream. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can use pesto made with walnuts or pecans, or even try a sun-dried tomato variant for a completely different twist.

When choosing pesto, consider the quality. A high-quality store-bought option can save time, but homemade pesto offers a freshness that is irreplaceable. If you're in a pinch, you can even use a jarred version, just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as some store brands can be overly salty or bland.

Cheese Choices and Variations

The blend of mozzarella and parmesan provides a creamy, melty texture with a slight tang from the parmesan that punctuates the dish. If you're looking to switch things up, consider using fontina or gouda for a smokier flavor, or even adding a bit of blue cheese for a punch. Just keep in mind that the melting qualities of the cheese matter—mozzarella stays gooey while others may brown too much, so adjust your cheese combo accordingly.

For a lighter alternative, you could replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which would provide a tangy flavor while reducing calories. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid curdling—opt for around 20 minutes and monitor closely.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake is fantastic for meal prep and can be easily stored for future meals. To store, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it into individual servings and wrap well. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and for the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

When reheating, be mindful of the cheese. To retain its creamy quality, consider covering the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from becoming too rubbery. If reheating in a microwave, do so in short intervals, checking regularly to avoid overheating. Enjoying leftovers in a wrap or salad the next day is also a great way to reinvigorate this dish!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a luscious and flavorful dish:

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

With these ingredients, you're ready to make a delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the pesto sauce, softened cream cheese, and sour cream until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken.

Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken and sauce. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once done, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Now that you’ve prepared the Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake, enjoy it with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

You can make this dish even creamier by adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. For a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with various sides. A fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chicken. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the dish perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it over a bed of zoodles or whole grain pasta for a hearty meal.

If hosting, consider garnishing the chicken bake with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of additional parmesan before serving. This not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also adds an aromatic flair that makes it even more inviting.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe can easily accommodate various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, ensure your pesto does not contain any gluten-derived ingredients, and serve it with gluten-free sides. You can also substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist, which can soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Those looking to lighten the dish without compromising flavor can use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream. This reduces calories while maintaining the desired creaminess. Always taste as you go; adjusting seasonings and flavors to fit your palate is essential to achieving the best outcome.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your chicken breasts are large and take longer to cook, consider slicing them in half horizontally to ensure even baking. A good visual cue is to check that the juices run clear when pierced and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Overcooking may result in dryness, so always keep an eye on your chicken to achieve the perfect tender bite.

If you find the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk. Conversely, if it turns out too thin, a quick fix is to add a bit more cream cheese to achieve the desired consistency. A well-balanced sauce should cling beautifully to the chicken without being overly runny or stiff.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto is fantastic, store-bought pesto works great for a quick meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken bake?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

You can use salmon or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option!