If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner that practically makes itself, these Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need. With just two main ingredients—chicken thighs and pesto—you’ll have a juicy, comforting meal that works for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or last-minute guests. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 2 main ingredients
- Prep in minutes, bake and walk away
- Chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and crisp-skinned
- Pairs with just about any side you’ve got on hand
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trimmed and patted dry)
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
Trim off excess fat and thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the pesto cling and encourages crispy skin.
Marinate
In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, toss chicken thighs with pesto. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Bake
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in the dish. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F and the skin is golden and crisp.
Serve & Enjoy
Let rest a few minutes before serving. Spoon a little of the pesto-y juices from the pan over the top for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Skin
- Dry the skin well before marinating—this is crucial for crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish—leave space for heat circulation.
- For ultra-crispy skin, you can broil the thighs for the last 2–3 minutes of baking (watch closely to prevent burning).
Can You Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Yes! Just reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes since boneless thighs cook faster. The flavor remains excellent, though you won’t get crispy skin without it.
What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Thighs
These juicy thighs go well with nearly everything:
- Cilantro Lime Rice for a zesty pairing
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Salad for a hearty side
- Pasta tossed in extra pesto for a full-on Italian vibe
- Roasted vegetables or simple steamed greens for a lighter plate
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs recipe proves that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. With just a few minutes of prep and some pantry staples, you’ll end up with a dish that feels fancy but fits right into any busy night. Make extra—you’ll want leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Pesto Chicken Thighs
If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner that practically makes itself, these Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- ½ cup prepared pesto or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto sauce, if using homemade.
- For ultimate flavor, marinate chicken in a zip bag or airtight container by combining the pesto and chicken thighs.
- Seal and refrigerate to marinate for 4h or overnight. Otherwise, place the chicken in a baking dish, top with pesto sauce over and under the skin.
- Position your oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 400F. Grease a baking dish.
- Transfer the pesto-marinated thighs into the greased baking dish. Spoon any pesto from the marinade bag on the underside of the skin or in and around the thighs. For extra flavor, rub some of the pesto under the skin.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until the tops are crispy and the chicken’s internal temperature is 175F.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 439Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 200mgSodium 423mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 39g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.