Pesto Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that brings fresh flavors to the table. The combination of juicy chicken breasts and vibrant pesto sauce creates a meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for dinner or meal prep for the week.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it is quick to prepare, and you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home. The pesto sauce is packed with flavor and can be used in many dishes. Making Pesto Chicken is a sure way to impress your family and friends!
How to Make Pesto Chicken
Making Pesto Chicken is straightforward. You need to start by preparing the pesto, then cook the chicken and serve it all together. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (pounded to ¾-inch thickness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup packed basil
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- 3 cloves unpeeled garlic
- ¼ cup walnuts (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Pesto
- In a food processor, combine basil, baby spinach, garlic, walnuts, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse until combined.
- Slowly add the extra-virgin olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned.
- Spread the pesto mixture over the chicken and allow it to bake in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve
- Serve the chicken hot, topped with diced tomatoes and extra parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional walnuts if desired.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken
Pesto Chicken can be served with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. You can also put it on a sandwich or wrap it in a tortilla for a tasty lunch.
How to Store Pesto Chicken
To store leftover Pesto Chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Pesto Chicken
- If you love garlic, you can add more cloves to the pesto for extra flavor.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pine nuts or almonds based on your preference.
- For a creamier sauce, you can blend in some cream cheese or ricotta to the pesto.
Variation
You can customize the dish by adding roasted vegetables or mixing different herbs into the pesto. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or arugula for a different twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a great alternative if you’re short on time.
2. What can I use instead of chicken breast?
You can use chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pesto and chicken in advance, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Pesto Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, pounded to ¾-inch thickness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
For the Pesto Sauce
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup packed basil
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- 3 cloves unpeeled garlic
- 0.25 cup walnuts (plus more for garnish)
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
For Serving
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Make the Pesto
- In a food processor, combine basil, baby spinach, garlic, walnuts, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse until combined.
- Slowly add the extra-virgin olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
Cook the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned.
- Spread the pesto mixture over the chicken and allow it to bake in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
Serve
- Serve the chicken hot, topped with diced tomatoes and extra parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional walnuts if desired.
