FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Pesto Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Pesto Chicken
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• More Italian-Inspired Chicken Recipes
• Tools I Use For This Recipe
• Pesto Chicken (5 Ingredients!) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Let me show you one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes: pesto chicken . This dish is an absolute lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you need something delicious on the table in a flash. It’s similar to my pesto salmon , and one of my oldest last-minute “lazy chicken dinners “. Because, let’s face it, we all have those days when cooking feels like a marathon. Make this pesto chicken recipe with me for a simple meal that everyone in your family will be happy with — without much effort on your part!

Why You Need My Pesto Chicken Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken with fresh pesto flavor – Say goodbye to dry chicken breast! The pesto sauce I use for this dish not only adds a fresh, herby flavor, but it also locks in moisture.
• 5 simple ingredients – With common staples like chicken breast , mozzarella, basil pesto , and tomatoes, it’s got lots of classic Italian flavors without much to it. This dish layers complex flavors in the simplest way possible.
• Quick & easy – I love making this pesto chicken on busy weeknights. You only need to prep it for 5 minutes and the oven does the rest, all in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile – What I love most about this dish is its versatility. It’s an easy quick dinner, but also great for meal prep (the leftovers store so well) or a special meal (just look at those colors — isn’t it pretty?!).

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my chicken pesto recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Look for ones that are about the same size, so they cook evenly. You could also use boneless chicken thighs, but the bake time will differ.
• Basil Pesto – When I have time, I make my own homemade pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic. (It’s also great for making pesto eggs !) Store-bought pesto works just fine, though — I use the one from Costco when I’m in a hurry.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese – This will come in a ball or a log, and contains more moisture than “regular” semi-firm mozzarella. Regular shredded or sliced mozzarella does work as well, but I think it tastes better with fresh.
• Tomatoes – Some pesto chicken recipes are basically just chicken and pesto, but I think the sweetness of tomatoes adds the perfect contrast here. The size of Roma tomatoes works well for this dish, but you could use any sliced tomato. Sometimes I even tuck sun-dried tomatoes underneath the cheese.
• Fresh Basil – Fresh herbs make a huge difference here, especially since we finish with them after cooking the chicken.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper

How To Make Pesto Chicken

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season your chicken and top with pesto. Arrange the chicken breasts in a large baking dish ( I love this one ), and season with salt and pepper. Spread pesto over each one.
2. Bake, but not until done. Place the pesto chicken in the oven, and bake until it’s almost fully cooked, but not cooked through all the way.

1. Add toppings and bake again. Add the mozzarella on top of the chicken breasts, then add the tomato slices. Continue baking until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Let it rest. Then, I highly recommend serving pesto chicken with fresh basil ribbons on top! I like to add a few clusters of whole leaves, too.

My Recipe Tips

• You can brown the chicken if you like. If you prefer a crisp exterior, you can pan sear chicken breast first in an oven safe skillet for 3-4 minutes per side (until browned but not fully cooked through). Then, add the pesto and other toppings, and transfer to the oven for 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is melted.
• Don’t crowd the baking dish. Make sure there is enough space between them, or they will take what feels like forever to cook through.
• Only add toppings when the chicken is almost done. Notice that I have a 2-step baking process above. The reason is because the tomatoes and cheese will slide off if you bake with them on the entire time. It’s best to just add them toward the end, when the pesto chicken is almost done.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees F after the final step, though I actually prefer to take it out just a few degrees sooner and let it come to 165 while resting. Hello, juicy chicken!
• Resting matters. After baking, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, so it stays… well, juicy.

Serving Ideas

Wondering what goes well with pesto chicken? I think it goes best with other Italian-inspired dishes, such as:

• Noodles – An Italian meal definitely makes you think of pasta. I usually like to use lighter pasta alternatives such as zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash (either a quick spaghetti squash in the microwave or baked spaghetti squash ). Enjoy your noodles with simple olive oil, salt, and pepper, or toss them with the same sauce you use on the chicken.
• Salads – A crisp Israeli salad , a classic Greek salad , or a simple romaine salad with Caesar dressing pair very well with the flavors here. Sometimes I like to slice the chicken and serve it over an arugula salad .
• Vegetables – I go wherever seasonal produce takes me: Sauteed asparagus in the spring, sauteed zucchini in the summer, or roasted broccoli (shown above!) pretty much all year round.

More Italian-Inspired Chicken Recipes

I’m a huge fan of Italian flavors! If this pesto chicken recipe is your kind of meal, you’ll also like these other ones I make often:

Tools I Use For This Recipe

• Large Baking Dish – It’s functional, it’s beautiful, it’s simply my favorite baking dish.
• Instant Read Meat Thermometer – This is the best way to tell if your chicken is done. I love that it tells me the exact temperature in just a couple seconds, so I don’t have to keep the oven open for long.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 medium Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/2 cup Basil pesto ▢
• 4 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese ▢
• 2 medium Roma tomatoes (sliced thinly) ▢
• 1/2 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Place chicken breasts into a large baking dish , with enough room to have space between them. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Spread pesto over each chicken breast.
3. Bake for 20 minutes .
4. Top the chicken with mozzarella, then tomato slices. Bake for about 5 more minutes , until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes , then top with fresh basil to serve.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips to help you get juicy chicken every time! I’ve also got notes to avoid the cheese sliding off and an option for a golden sear.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can enjoy them later on their own, or make a sandwich! Just slice the leftover pesto chicken and layer with fresh lettuce, and creamy mayo on your favorite bread (I make my own flaxseed bread ).
• Meal prep: You can assemble this dish up to 1-2 days ahead of time, and I often do! Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You’ll still want to add the tomatoes and mozzarella towards the end of baking, but you can slice them ahead of time as well.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to retain moisture. The microwave works in a pinch, but can dry out the chicken.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Pesto Chicken

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Pesto Chicken (5 Ingredients!)

My pesto chicken recipe needs just 5 ingredients + 25 minutes! Basil pesto, sweet tomatoes, and melty mozzarella make it juicy & flavorful.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/pesto-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 medium Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 cup Basil pesto
• 4 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium Roma tomatoes (sliced thinly)
• 1/2 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Place chicken breasts into a large baking dish , with enough room to have space between them. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Spread pesto over each chicken breast.
3. Bake for 20 minutes .
4. Top the chicken with mozzarella, then tomato slices. Bake for about 5 more minutes , until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes , then top with fresh basil to serve.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips to help you get juicy chicken every time! I’ve also got notes to avoid the cheese sliding off and an option for a golden sear.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can enjoy them later on their own, or make a sandwich! Just slice the leftover pesto chicken and layer with fresh lettuce, and creamy mayo on your favorite bread (I make my own flaxseed bread ).
• Meal prep: You can assemble this dish up to 1-2 days ahead of time, and I often do! Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You’ll still want to add the tomatoes and mozzarella towards the end of baking, but you can slice them ahead of time as well.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to retain moisture. The microwave works in a pinch, but can dry out the chicken.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)