Pesto chicken has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I can’t wait for you to try it! I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of toasted pine nuts and fresh basil filled my kitchen, promising something truly special. It felt like a gourmet meal, yet it was incredibly simple. This dish, essentially tender chicken coated in vibrant basil pesto, is a flavor explosion that always hits the spot. If you’re looking for an easy pesto chicken recipe that’s both fast and incredibly delicious, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken
This pesto chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly flavorful, making it feel like a special occasion meal even on a busy weeknight. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together – perfect for a quick pesto chicken dinner when you’re short on time.
- Amazing Taste: The bright, herbaceous basil pesto creates a punch of flavor that chicken absolutely soaks up.
- Super Fast Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Healthy Choice: Lean chicken breast paired with fresh pesto makes for a nutritious meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the delicious taste of this chicken.
- Versatile: Serve it in so many ways – it’s great for meal prep too!
- Effortless Flavor: A simple pesto marinated chicken takes minimal effort for maximum taste.
Ingredients for Pesto Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the easiest part of this recipe, and it’s where the magic begins! You only need a few simple things to create this delicious chicken with basil pesto sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The star, of course, is the pesto itself, which coats the chicken and infuses it with that incredible basil and garlic goodness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6-8 oz each, trimmed of any excess fat
- 1/2 cup basil pesto – store-bought or homemade, this is your flavor powerhouse!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing and getting that beautiful golden crust
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all those wonderful flavors
How to Make Pesto Chicken
Making delicious pesto chicken is surprisingly simple, and I’m excited to walk you through each step. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this flavorful dish. We’ll start by getting our oven nice and hot, which is key for that perfect cook. Then, we’ll focus on getting a beautiful sear on the chicken before it heads into the oven for its final transformation.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grab a good quality oven-safe skillet and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: While the skillet heats, pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a nice golden-brown sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Once the skillet is hot, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot oil. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a lovely golden crust. The smell of the chicken searing is just amazing!
- Step 4: Now, it’s time to spread the star of the show: the 1/2 cup basil pesto. Evenly coat both sides of the seared chicken breasts with the vibrant green pesto. You want a good, even layer to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
- Step 5: Carefully transfer the oven-safe skillet with the pesto-coated chicken directly into the preheated oven. This is where the magic of baked pesto chicken happens!
- Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This ensures your pesto chicken bake is safe and perfectly cooked. I love how this method ensures even cooking, truly showing you how to cook pesto chicken breast perfectly every time.
- Step 7: Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the pesto chicken rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken.
Pro Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken
Want to elevate your pesto chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. These simple tips ensure your chicken is always moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, turning a good meal into a fantastic one.
- Always start with room-temperature chicken. It cooks more evenly than cold chicken straight from the fridge.
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry! This is crucial for getting that beautiful, golden-brown sear that adds so much flavor.
- If you have time, a quick marinade makes all the difference. Even 30 minutes in the pesto makes the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness – overcooked chicken is the enemy of tenderness.
What’s the secret to perfect pesto chicken?
The real secret is in creating a flavorful pesto chicken marinade, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. Coating the chicken well and letting it sit allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious basil and garlic goodness. For more delicious chicken recipes, check out these Mediterranean chicken recipes.
Can I make pesto chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the chicken by coating it in pesto and seasoning it a few hours or even up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just remember it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s coming straight from the cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with pesto chicken?
The most common pitfall is overcooking, which leaves the chicken dry. Always rely on a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, ensure your pan and oven are properly preheated before adding the chicken to get that nice sear and even bake. Learn more about proper cooking temperatures from the USDA’s food safety guidelines.
Best Ways to Serve Pesto Chicken
This versatile pesto chicken recipe is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is with a big bowl of pesto chicken and pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, tossed with a little extra pesto or a light cream sauce. If you’re wondering what to serve with pesto chicken, you can’t go wrong with simple sides that let the chicken’s flavor take center stage. Think a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, some roasted cherry tomatoes, or even creamy polenta. You might also enjoy these apple salad recipes for a refreshing side.
Nutrition Facts for Pesto Chicken
When I whip up this delicious pesto chicken, I like to know what I’m working with nutritionally. It’s a pretty satisfying meal, and knowing the breakdown helps me fit it into my eating plan. Here’s what you can expect per serving, which is typically one chicken breast:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Pesto Chicken
Once your delicious pesto chicken dish is cooked and enjoyed, you’ll want to properly store any leftovers to keep them tasting their best. I always let the chicken cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour before storing. Then, I transfer the leftover chicken into an airtight container. Properly stored, this pesto chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with even more leftovers and want to save them for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating is just as simple! For refrigerated leftovers, I usually pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the same reheating methods. Microwaving is also an option, but I find the oven or skillet keeps that lovely texture better. For more quick dinner ideas, consider these 10-minute air fryer chicken sausage and veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Chicken
What is pesto chicken?
Pesto chicken is a delightful dish where chicken, typically breasts or thighs, is coated in or marinated with basil pesto, a vibrant sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to prepare chicken, offering a taste of Italian-inspired cuisine.
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are common for their quick cooking time and lean texture, you can certainly use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more moisture. Boneless, skinless thighs work best, and you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they can take a few minutes longer than breasts.
What are the best chicken recipes with pesto?
Beyond this simple baked version, chicken recipes with pesto include pesto chicken pasta, pesto chicken salad sandwiches, grilled pesto chicken skewers, and even pesto chicken pizza. Each variation highlights the delicious combination of chicken and basil pesto in unique ways, offering something for every craving. You might also enjoy our chicken etouffee recipe.
How do I make pesto chicken healthier?
To make your pesto chicken healthier, you can use a pesto made with less oil or with a combination of nuts like walnuts or almonds alongside pine nuts. Opt for lean chicken breasts, and serve it with plenty of vegetables like a large side salad or roasted broccoli instead of pasta or creamy sauces. You can also reduce the amount of cheese in the pesto itself.
Variations of Pesto Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic baked version, there are so many exciting ways to enjoy pesto chicken! I love experimenting with different cooking methods and flavor twists. For a quick weeknight meal with a beautiful crust, try making pan-seared pesto chicken. Just sear it in a skillet on both sides until golden, then finish it off in the oven. If you prefer a lighter touch or are grilling, a simple chicken breast pesto marinade works wonders. You can also mix things up by adding sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice to your pesto for a zesty kick. For a dairy-free option, look for pesto made without Parmesan or make your own using nutritional yeast. For another flavorful chicken dish, try our smash chicken caesar tacos.
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Amazing Pesto Chicken: 10 Minutes Prep Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for pesto chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. This dish features tender chicken coated in flavorful basil pesto, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Spread the basil pesto evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the pesto chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with your favorite sides like pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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