one-pan Trader Joe's chicken pesto bake recipe with cheese melted on top — Makes: *6 Servings*
Per Serving: 39g Protein | 350 *Cal*

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Settling in for another busy week? Same here. Between work, errands, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, weeknight dinners can feel like a constant struggle. That's why I love this One Pan Trader Joe's Chicken Pesto Bake. It's a lifesaver for those nights when takeout or fast food sounds tempting, but your wallet (and health) are screaming for something better.

This is one of my favorite recipes and it's all about convenience and flavor. We're using Trader Joe's pre-made pesto chicken to cut down on prep time, but feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and make your own pesto if you have the time (and some fresh basil on hand).

Why I love this recipe:

Simple Ingredients: This is one of my easy recipes. This bake uses mostly pantry staples—and a quick trip to Trader Joe's. You can even customize the veggies to what you have on hand.
Easy Cleanup: One-pan meals are the absolute best! Less mess means more time to relax after dinner.
Flavorful and Customizable: The creamy pesto sauce combined with juicy chicken and roasted vegetables is a winning combination. Plus, you can adjust the vegetables, cheese, and even the type of pesto to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Cooking time is just under an hour, making it ideal for those nights when you're short on time.
Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It's a great option for meal prepping healthy lunches for the week.

one-pan Trader Joe's chicken pesto bake in the skillet it's baked in

Nutrition Information:

While this recipe is a delicious and convenient option for busy weeknights, it's important to consider the nutrient information of the ingredients you use. Here's a rough breakdown (per serving) based on the ingredients listed below:

Calories: 350
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 20g
Protein: 39g

This bake also offers some hidden health benefits. The bone broth adds a boost of collagen and electrolytes, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber. Plus, you can customize the protein source—chicken thighs offer a higher fat content and extra flavor, while leaner chicken breasts can be a good option for those watching their calorie intake.

Please note: This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content of your dish will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. If you're following a specific diet or tracking your daily values, you may want to use a nutrition calculator to get a more accurate picture.

Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

1 tablespoon avocado oil for cooking
1 whole onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Two packages of Trader Joe’s pesto chicken
1 1/2 cups bone broth
½ cup jasmine rice
1 or 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
Your favorite vegetables! Think: cherry tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, green beans, etc.
2 ounces shredded light mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Trader Joe's Green Goddess dressing for drizzling on top

Baking Bliss: Instructions for the One Pan Pesto Chicken Bake

Heat things Up: Heat half the avocado oil in a large pan and preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the avocado oil along the entire pan. I like to do this to ensure even coating without pouring a lot of oil.
Chop, Sauté and Sear: Chop one whole onion and sauté until onions are translucent. Add in your garlic and stir. Sauté for about 30 seconds and then move the onions and garlic to one side of the pan, add the rest of the avocado oil, and place chicken in the pan. Lightly sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prep the Pan: Distribute onions and garlic around the chicken, then add bone broth, rice, cornstarch and Greek yogurt. Make sure the rice is completely covered by the broth. Add your vegetables.
Ready to Bake: Place in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes uncovered. In the last five minutes of baking, remove the pan and add shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Place the pan back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Tips and Customization Ideas:

Personalize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of store-bought pesto or whip up your own homemade pesto with fresh herbs. Trader Joe's has a variety of flavors to choose from, like sun-dried tomato pesto or a vegan option made with cashew nuts instead of the traditional pine nuts.
Veggie Variations: This recipe is super versatile when it comes to vegetables. You can use whatever you have on hand, or try some of these ideas: roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped broccoli florets, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt or even a splash of heavy cream.
Low-Carb Option: If you're following a low-carb diet, you can substitute cauliflower rice for the jasmine rice.
Protein Boost: Want to add some extra protein? Shred some cooked chicken thighs and add them to the pan along with the vegetables.
Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days for maximum freshness.
Enjoy with Side Dishes: This bake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with your favorite sides. Consider a side salad or additional roasted vegetables.

So there you have it! This One Pan Trader Joe's Chicken Pesto Bake is a delicious, easy, and customizable weeknight dinner you will love. It's a lifesaver for those busy nights, and it's sure to become a regular in your recipe card rotation for easy dinner recipes.

Do you have any favorite easy chicken recipes you use on busy weeknights? Share them in the comments below!