Quinoa Pesto Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Quinoa Pesto Chicken Bake is a simple, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cooked atop fluffy quinoa, all enhanced with vibrant pesto and melted Parmesan cheese. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dinner that comes together with minimal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 tbsp pesto
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
• Optional: tomatoes, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Combine the quinoa and water in a baking dish. Stir to mix evenly.
3. Step 3: Nestle the chicken breasts into the quinoa mixture. Spread pesto evenly over each piece of chicken.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
6. Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and, if desired, top with sliced tomatoes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use homemade pesto or try a sun-dried tomato pesto variation.
• Add chopped vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the quinoa for more texture and nutrients.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken moist, cover with foil while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute rice or couscous, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary. Adjust accordingly for best results.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This bake stores well and reheats nicely, making it an excellent option for preparing meals ahead of time.

Quinoa Pesto Chicken Bake Recipe

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This Quinoa Pesto Chicken Bake is a wholesome and flavorful one-dish meal combining protein-rich chicken breasts with healthy quinoa and vibrant pesto, all baked to perfection and topped with melted Parmesan cheese and optional fresh tomatoes. Ideal for a nutritious dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 34 minutes
• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Quinoa Mixture

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water

Chicken and Toppings

• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 tbsp pesto
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
• Optional: tomatoes, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
2. Combine Quinoa and Water: In a baking dish, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir the mixture to distribute evenly, which allows the quinoa to cook properly and absorb the water during baking.
3. Add Chicken and Pesto: Nestle the 4 chicken breasts into the quinoa mixture. Then evenly spread the 6 tablespoons of pesto over the chicken breasts to infuse them with vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
4. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the foil, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of fresh shredded Parmesan cheese over the chicken and quinoa. This adds a delightful savory and creamy topping.
6. Melt Cheese: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly, creating a cheesy crust.
7. Add Tomatoes (Optional): After removing the dish from the oven, top with sliced fresh tomatoes if desired. This adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish before serving.

Notes

• You can use pre-cooked quinoa to reduce overall cooking time.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the pesto before spreading.
• Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred.
• Tomatoes are optional but add a fresh contrast to the rich pesto and cheese.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Keywords: quinoa chicken bake, pesto chicken, baked chicken with quinoa, easy chicken dinner, healthy baked chicken, Italian chicken bake