Trader Joes Pesto Chicken Recipe

This juicy herbaceous Trader Joes Pesto Chicken Recipe is made with chicken breasts, vibrant green pesto, and mozzarella cheese, ready in 30 minutes. Pulling the pan out of the oven reveals bubbling, golden cheese melting beautifully over the rich basil sauce. I rely on this quick dinner on busy weeknights.

What Makes This Version Different

Using store-bought pesto can sometimes result in dry chicken if baked too long. I learned that spreading the pesto under a thick layer of mozzarella traps the moisture perfectly.

This creates a protective shield that keeps the meat incredibly tender. It is a simple trick that completely transformed my busy evening dinner routine.

Trader Joes Pesto Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Genova Pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Trader Joes Pesto Chicken Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer.
2. Season the Meat: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken evenly with the salt and black pepper.
3. Add the Pesto: Spread two tablespoons of pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
4. Top with Cheese: Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto layer. Arrange the cherry tomato halves around the chicken in the baking dish.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165F internally and the cheese is golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Pound the chicken: Evenly thick chicken breasts cook at the same rate, preventing dry edges.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken at exactly 165F so it stays juicy.
• Broil for color: Pop the dish under the broiler for the last two minutes for beautifully browned cheese.

What To Serve With Pesto Chicken

Serve this with a side of roasted asparagus or garlic butter pasta to soak up the extra pan juices. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich cheese nicely.

How To Store

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the cheese texture will change.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They may need an extra 5 minutes of baking time to cook through entirely.

Which Trader Joe’s pesto is best?

The classic Genova Pesto is fantastic, but the Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto works just as well. Choose your favorite flavor profile.

How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. This stops excess water from pooling in the baking dish.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6g
• Protein: 38g

Trader Joes Pesto Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

This Trader Joes Pesto Chicken Recipe delivers juicy, herbaceous flavors using boneless chicken, basil pesto, and mozzarella cheese in just 30 minutes. It is a foolproof weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal prep, ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Genova Pesto

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer.
• 2. Season the Meat: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken evenly with the salt and black pepper.
• 3. Add the Pesto: Spread two tablespoons of pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
• 4. Top with Cheese: Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto layer. Arrange the cherry tomato halves around the chicken in the baking dish.
• 5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165F internally and the cheese is golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.