Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted on a sheet pan with vibrant cherry tomatoes and a fresh basil pesto glaze. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cherry tomatoes, prepared basil pesto into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and place them skin side up on the sheet. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  2. Step 2: Spoon 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto evenly over the chicken thighs, spreading gently to cover the skin.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 2 cups cherry tomatoes around the chicken on the sheet pan.
  4. Step 4: Roast everything in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden and slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves over the chicken and tomatoes, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes