Thursday, April 16, 2026
HomeItalian FoodBaked Breaded Pesto and Parmigiano Hen Recipe

Baked Breaded Pesto and Parmigiano Hen Recipe


​​This baked breaded pesto and parmesan hen is straightforward Italian consolation meals! Juicy hen is coated with basil pesto, topped with a crisp parmesan breadcrumb crust, and baked till golden and tender.

Chicken in a plate with salad and on a plate.

 

Baked breaded pesto and parmesan hen is a comforting dish that brings collectively easy elements and daring taste. Tender hen breasts are layered with basil pesto, topped with a crisp parmesan breadcrumb coating, and baked till golden and juicy.

This baked hen pesto parmesan is a lighter tackle traditional hen parmesan, skipping the preliminary pan-fry whereas nonetheless providing you with a tacky, crispy crust. Baking retains the hen moist and flavorful, making it excellent for a comfy weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

  • This baked pesto hen parmesan delivers all the flavour of the standard dish in a method that feels comforting with out being heavy.
  • Baked in about half-hour, that is a straightforward hen dinner you may get on the desk with out a lot planning.

Ingredient Notes

  • Hen: Use boneless, skinless hen breast slices. Protecting them shut in measurement helps them bake evenly.
  • Pesto: Home made basil pesto or a good-quality store-bought pesto each work properly right here. Select one with a contemporary basil taste for the perfect outcomes.
  • Bread crumbs or Panko: Plain bread crumbs give a finer, extra conventional topping, whereas panko creates a barely crunchier texture. Both works superbly, so use what you like.
  • Parmigiano: Freshly grated parmigiano cheese provides the perfect flavour and melts easily into the breadcrumb topping. For finest outcomes, grate it contemporary from a block moderately than utilizing pre-grated cheese.
  • Parsley: Finely chopped contemporary parsley provides a little bit of freshness and shade to the completed dish.
  • Olive oil: A lightweight drizzle of olive oil helps the topping flip golden and crisp because it bakes.
  • Salt and black pepper: Season calmly, particularly since pesto and parmesan already add loads of taste.

What’s genuine Parmigiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is genuine or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which implies Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is simply an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is all the time made in Italy, whereas Parmesan will be made wherever, there aren’t any restrictions on utilizing the title Parmesan. And don’t neglect a inexpensive but in addition a DOP selection is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

Ingredients for the recipe.Ingredients for the recipe.

The way to Make Breaded Pesto and Parmesan Hen

In a small bowl, combine collectively the bread crumbs or panko, freshly grated parmigiano, salt, and black pepper. Unfold a layer of pesto over every bit of hen. Place the hen pesto-side down on the ready parchment lined baking sheet, then unfold the remaining pesto excessive.

Spreading on the pesto and bread crumbs on the chicken.Spreading on the pesto and bread crumbs on the chicken.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb combination evenly over the hen. End with the chopped parsley and a light-weight drizzle of olive oil.

The chicken before baked on the baking sheet.The chicken before baked on the baking sheet.

Bake, till the hen is cooked via and the topping is golden. For those who like a deeper golden crust, broil for two to three minutes on the finish however watch it rigorously to stop burning. 

The baked chicken on the baking sheet.The baked chicken on the baking sheet.

Recipe ideas

  • Verify for doneness: This parmesan pesto crusted hen is finished when it reaches an inner temperature of 165°F. Utilizing a meat thermometer is the best method to make certain it’s completely cooked.
  • Pound the hen evenly: Frivolously pounding the hen with a meat mallet to an excellent thickness helps it bake evenly and likewise tenderizes the meat.
  • Increase the flavour: For additional taste, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried basil and oregano to the breadcrumb or panko combination.
  • For a crispier crust: Beat two eggs in a small bowl and dip the hen into the egg combination earlier than coating with the breadcrumbs.
Baked chicken on baking sheet.Baked chicken on baking sheet.

Variations

  • Completely different pesto choices: This pesto parmesan baked hen works superbly with different pesto varieties. Attempt sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper, richer taste, or arugula pesto for one thing barely peppery.
  • Cheese swap: You possibly can substitute a part of the parmigiano with pecorino romano for a sharper, extra savory end.

Serving Strategies

Serve this baked breaded pesto and parmesan hen with a easy aspect that lets the flavors shine. Roasted potatoes, sautéed inexperienced beans, or a crisp inexperienced arugula salad all pair superbly. 

It’s additionally scrumptious alongside a light-weight pasta tossed with pesto, marinara or tomato sauce and a slice of crusty Italian bread to absorb any juices.

A slice of pesto chicken cut on a plate.A slice of pesto chicken cut on a plate.

This pesto parmigiano hen is a straightforward but flavorful dish, combining the wealthy, herby style of pesto with the savory goodness of melted parmesan. Excellent for busy weeknights or an off-the-cuff dinner, it’s a straightforward recipe that delivers comforting, Italian-inspired flavors each time.

  • 3 tablespoons bread crumbs 30g
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmigiano 50g
  • 2-3 pinches salt
  • 1-2 dashes black pepper
  • 4 boneless skinless hen breast slices (roughly 5 oz / 150 grams every)
  • ⅓-½ cup basil pesto (selfmade or retailer purchased)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly finely chopped parsley
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Pre-heat oven to 350F/180C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • In a small/medium bowl combine collectively the breads crumbs, parmigiano, salt and pepper.

  • Unfold the hen breasts with the pesto, place the hen pesto aspect down on the baking sheet, then unfold the remaining pesto on the hen. Prime with the bread crumb combination. Sprinkle with the parsley and drizzle with olive oil.

  • Bake for roughly 30-35 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes (watch rigorously) to brown extra if desired. Serve instantly. Get pleasure from!

  • Hen is finished when the interior temperature is 165F/74C.

Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.

To reheat, place the hen on a baking sheet and heat within the oven till heated via. This helps maintain the pesto parmesan crust from turning into soggy. You can even reheat gently within the microwave, although the coating might be softer.

Energy: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 31g | Fats: 18g | Saturated Fats: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 4g | Trans Fats: 0.01g | Ldl cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 774mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 634IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 1mg | Phosphorus: 337mg

Please go away a remark under or pin it to your Pinterest account!

It’s All About Pasta

Wonderful pasta recipes to make your mouth water!

all about pasta baked pasta on a wooden boardall about pasta baked pasta on a wooden board

Genuine Italian Desserts

75 Conventional Desserts Made Straightforward

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments