Pesto Chicken Bacon Loaded Potatoes: Why You’ll Love This
Let me just say: this Pesto Chicken Bacon Loaded Potatoes is everything. It’s one of those chicken dishes with pesto that ticks every box. It’s hearty, cheesy, a little crispy around the edges, and loaded (literally!) with comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family, your housemates, or just treating yourself to a cosy dinner for one, this pesto chicken recipe is going to be on high rotation. Here’s why I think you’re going to be obsessed:
So easy: You just need a pan, an oven dish, and your air fryer. It’s low effort with a massive flavour payoff.
Crowd-pleasing: Whether it’s fussy eaters or hungry teenagers, this one gets gobbled up in minutes.
Customisable: Swap bacon for pancetta, use a different cheese, or try with sweet potato for a twist.
Leftovers are divine: More on that below—but this reheats beautifully
Tips & Tricks for the Best Pesto Chicken Bacon Loaded Potatoes
Use the right potatoes
I love Sebago or Dutch Cream for this—starchy enough to get that crispy outer edge, soft enough inside to soak up all the sauce.
Air Fry = Crispy Gold
Don’t skip the air fryer step! It makes the potatoes wonderfully crispy without needing to deep fry. If you don’t have one, roasting them in a super hot oven (220°C+) works too.
Use fresh pesto when you can
While jarred basil pesto is perfectly fine (and a lifesaver on busy nights), if you have time, whip up a homemade batch. Fresh garlic, toasted pine nuts, basil and parmesan? Heaven. 😍
Cherry tomatoes are optional—but encouraged
They bring a juicy pop of sweetness that balances the saltiness from the bacon and cheese. Plus, they add some much-needed veg!
Don’t skimp on the cheese
A mix of mozzarella and cheddar (what we call “pizza cheese” here in Aus) is ideal. Melty, gooey, golden perfection.
Serving Suggestions
This Pesto Chicken Bacon Loaded Potatoes dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to make it a full spread, here are some delicious add-ons:
A crisp rocket and pear salad with balsamic glaze to cut through the richness
Garlic bread (because more carbs = more joy)
A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works beautifully with the herby pesto and salty bacon
If you’re serving kids, I recommend pairing it with some steamed broccoli or corn on the cob to add colour and keep things balanced.
Storage Options & Reheating Tips
Let’s be real—leftovers of this pesto chicken recipe are chef’s kiss. Here’s how to store and reheat like a pro:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cheese might go a little firm, but it reheats beautifully.
Reheating: Pop it into a hot oven (180°C) for 10–12 minutes, or use your air fryer to bring back the crisp. You can also microwave it, but you’ll lose some of that lovely crunch.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but it’s best to freeze before adding the cheese. Freeze the chicken-pesto-bacon-potato mix, then add fresh cheese when reheating in the oven.
Other Recipes to Try Next
If you’re loving the vibe of this chicken pesto comfort dish, here are a few more chicken recipes to get on your radar:
Butter Chicken Pie = Dinner Magic! (Yes, Seriously)
Chicken Ricotta Spinach Bake – The Creamy, Cheesy Dinner You’ll Crave Every Week
Honey Mustard Chicken: The Sweet & Creamy One-Pan Wonder You’ll Want on Repeat
Chicken Stew That’s Creamy, Easy & Made in One Pan
One Pan Roast Chicken & Dirty Rice – The Ultimate Midweek Magic!
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Oven-Baked Dinner Recipe
Let’s Get Social!
Wrapping It Up: Why This Chicken Pesto Dish is On Repeat
There’s a reason this Pesto Chicken Bacon Loaded Potatoes recipe has become a regular at my place. It’s comforting, packed with bold flavours, and super easy to whip up on a busy night. The combination of herby pesto, crisp potatoes, melty cheese and salty bacon is just too good to resist.
Plus, it’s one of those chicken recipes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—and thirds. Whether you’re cooking for your partner, feeding a family, or meal-prepping your work lunches, this dish has your back.
Pesto Chicken Bacon Loaded Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop your potatoes into 2cm cubes, drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then air fry at 200°C for 20 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through.
- While the potatoes cook, heat a pan and add the chicken and bacon. Cook for about 10 minutes until golden.
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes and pesto and stir it all together until the chicken is coated and the tomatoes are warmed through.
- Turn off the heat and pour the crispy potatoes over the top.
- Sprinkle on the cheese, then pop the whole pan into the oven at 220°C for about 15 minutes or until everything is golden and bubbly.
- Scoop it onto plates and watch the whole family dive in!
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chicken breast works great too—just be careful not to overcook it. Thighs stay juicier, which is why I prefer them for this chicken and pesto dish.
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and check the label on your pesto—many contain parmesan. You can easily make a dairy-free pesto at home using nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Totally. You can cook everything ahead, assemble it in the baking dish, and pop it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just bake until golden and bubbly