Quinoa Pesto Chicken Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/quinoa-pesto-chicken-bake-recipe/
