Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken Recipe
This vibrant and easy Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a medley of fresh vegetables, all roasted together with flavorful pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a wholesome, colorful meal packed with Italian-inspired flavors and minimal cleanup.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
Optional Garnish
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Pesto Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful brush-on sauce.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a large sheet pan and brush both sides generously with the pesto mixture, coating them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Vegetables: Spread the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion evenly around the chicken on the sheet pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Parmesan: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and vegetables, allowing it to melt and add a savory touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonality or preference—e.g., asparagus, mushrooms, or broccoli work well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: sheet pan dinner, pesto chicken, roasted vegetables, easy chicken recipe, healthy dinner, Italian chicken, one pan meal