Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Tender chicken breasts roasted on a sheet pan with vibrant cherry tomatoes and a fresh basil pesto glaze. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) on the pan and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, rubbing evenly over the chicken.
- Step 2: Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with an additional 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt, then spread around the chicken on the sheet pan.
- Step 3: Spoon 1/3 cup basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over everything to brighten the flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Roasted 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 Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Roasted 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 Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Roasted 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.
Is Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.