Pesto Chicken Parmesan (Print)

Flavorful breaded chicken with basil pesto, marinara, and two cheeses. A simple, satisfying dish for any occasion.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Breading

03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Toppings

07 - 1/2 cup basil pesto
08 - 1 cup marinara sauce
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Place flour on one plate, beat eggs in a shallow dish, and place breadcrumbs on another plate.
04 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
06 - Transfer browned chicken to a baking dish.
07 - Spread 1-2 tablespoons pesto over each chicken breast. Spoon marinara sauce on top of the pesto.
08 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each piece.
09 - Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pesto adds an bright herbal layer that cuts through the rich cheese
  • You get that restaurant quality crunch without deep frying
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour on busy weeknights
02 -
  • Do not skip the skillet step or you will miss out on the crispy texture that makes this special
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute
  • The pesto layer should be thin otherwise it can overpower the dish
03 -
  • Warm your pesto slightly before spreading so it spreads evenly over the chicken
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre grated for better melt and flavor
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