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Pesto Chicken Recipe

Featured in Master the Art of Main Course Creation.

Pesto Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs tender chicken with a rich pesto sauce. The recipe involves cooking chicken breasts in a skillet until done, then coating them with pesto and warming it through. It can be made with store-bought or homemade pesto, which involves blending basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This dish is versatile, allowing for grilling or adding cream to the pesto. It can be served with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. The combination of herby pesto and juicy chicken makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Rana
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:24:38 GMT
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Pesto Chicken: A Herby Delight

Let's create a dish that's both vibrant and satisfying: Pesto Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken with the fragrant, flavorful richness of pesto, creating a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. I'm excited to share this simple yet delicious recipe with you.

Ingredient Essentials

Chicken Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein source.
Fresh Basil:
Fresh basil is the key ingredient for a vibrant pesto.
Pine Nuts:
Pine nuts add a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the pesto.
Garlic:
Garlic adds a savory depth to the pesto.
Parmesan Cheese:
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor to the pesto.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil binds the pesto ingredients together and adds richness.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor to the pesto.
Spices:
Salt and pepper season the chicken and pesto.
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Pesto Chicken Recipe | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Crafting Your Pesto Chicken

Pesto Preparation:
Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice (if using) in a food processor or blender.
Pulse to break down the ingredients.
Slowly stream in olive oil while processing until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.
Set aside.
Chicken Preparation:
If using thick chicken breasts, cut them in half horizontally or pound them to an even thickness.
Season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
Pesto Addition:
Place the cooked chicken back in the skillet or on a serving platter.
Spoon pesto sauce generously over the chicken.
Optionally, warm the pesto further over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve with lemon wedges.

You Must Know

  • This chicken dish is a perfect balance of savory chicken and herby pesto.
  • It's easy to customize with different pesto variations.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.

I love the vibrant green pesto and the tender, juicy chicken. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a truly delightful experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pesto Chicken with Roasted vegetables, Pasta, Rice or Quinoa, or Salads. It's also great for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prep.

Flavorful Variations

Use sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach and walnut pesto, arugula and Parmesan pesto, cashew pesto, or kale pesto. Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing. Use different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Add other herbs like parsley or mint.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken and pesto in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and reheat the pesto separately.

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The Best Pesto Chicken | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh basil for the best pesto flavor.
Adjust pesto consistency with more olive oil or broth.
Let the chicken rest to retain its juices.
Customize your pesto with different ingredients.
Don't overheat the pesto when reheating.

This Pesto Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful chicken as much as I do.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and offer a richer flavor.
→ Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor to the chicken. Brush the chicken with pesto before grilling.
→ Can I make the pesto creamier?
Yes, mix a little heavy cream or cream cheese into the pesto before spreading it over the chicken.
→ What are good side dishes to serve with pesto chicken?
Pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables pair well with pesto chicken.
→ Can I use different nuts in the pesto?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pine nuts.

Pesto Chicken

This Pesto Chicken recipe combines tender chicken with a fragrant pesto sauce, creating a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Rana

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
02 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
03 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
04 Salt and pepper, to taste
05 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
06 Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

→ For Homemade Pesto (if making from scratch)

07 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
08 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
09 2 cloves garlic
10 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
11 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly add the olive oil while blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.

Step 02

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Depending on the thickness of the chicken, this may take a little longer. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon a generous amount of pesto over each chicken breast, covering the top. Let the chicken cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the pesto and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 04

Serve the pesto chicken hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and basil leaves, if desired.

Notes

  1. You can also grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the chicken with pesto before grilling.
  2. For a creamier pesto sauce, you can mix a little heavy cream or cream cheese into the pesto before spreading it over the chicken.
  3. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts, or even almonds can be used in the pesto.
  4. Serve this pesto chicken with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Food processor (if making homemade pesto)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Nuts