Pesto Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Looking for a delicious twist on the traditional chicken parmesan? Look no further than Pesto Chicken Parmesan! This recipe combines the best of two worlds: the rich, cheesy goodness of classic chicken parmesan with the fresh, herbal flavor of pesto. The result? A dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe will become one of your favorites. Let’s dive into how to create the perfect Pesto Chicken Parmesan!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures it stays juicy.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge in Flour: Lightly dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
4. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, coating both sides.
5. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken into the Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Once browned, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish.

Step 3: Add Pesto and Cheese

1. Spread the Pesto: Generously spread pesto sauce over the top of each chicken breast. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the pesto-covered chicken.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
2. Garnish with Fresh Basil: For a pop of color and extra flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
3. Serve with Sides: Pesto Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Making Perfect Pesto Chicken Parmesan

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a creamier texture and melts beautifully over the chicken.
• Make Your Own Pesto: Homemade pesto offers a fresher and more vibrant flavor than store-bought versions. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding more garlic or cheese as you like.
• Cook the Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly, preventing overcooked edges and undercooked centers.

Variations of Pesto Chicken Parmesan

Pesto Chicken Parmesan with Zoodles:

• For a lighter, low-carb version, serve the Pesto Chicken Parmesan with zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of traditional pasta. The freshness of the zoodles complements the richness of the chicken.

Grilled Pesto Chicken Parmesan:

• Skip the frying and grill the breaded chicken breasts before adding the pesto and cheese. This method gives the chicken a smoky flavor while keeping it healthier.

Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sandwich:

• Turn this delicious dish into a sandwich! Place the cooked Pesto Chicken Parmesan on a toasted ciabatta roll and add some arugula and tomato slices for a hearty, flavorful meal.

What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Parmesan

Garlic Butter Pasta:

• A simple side of garlic butter pasta pairs wonderfully with Pesto Chicken Parmesan. The pasta helps soak up any extra pesto and cheesy goodness from the chicken.

Roasted Vegetables:

• Balance the richness of the dish with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the savory chicken.

Caesar Salad:

• A crisp Caesar salad is a great way to lighten up the meal while adding some extra greens. The tangy dressing complements the creamy pesto and cheese.

Health Benefits of Pesto Chicken Parmesan

• Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
• Healthy Fats from Pesto: The olive oil and pine nuts in pesto provide healthy fats that are good for heart health.
• Rich in Calcium: The cheese adds a good dose of calcium, which is essential for bone health.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Leftover Pesto Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:

• To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but the oven helps retain the crispy texture.

Conclusion

Pesto Chicken Parmesan is a fresh and flavorful take on the classic dish, combining the vibrant taste of pesto with the cheesy, crispy goodness of chicken parmesan. Whether you serve it with pasta, veggies, or salad, this dish is sure to impress. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
   Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe. If you have time, making homemade pesto adds an extra layer of freshness.
2. What kind of chicken works best?
   Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add the pesto and cheese and bake.
4. What’s a good substitute for breadcrumbs?
   If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for the breading.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
   Yes, you can substitute the chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
   Yield: 4

   Pesto Chicken Parmesan Recipe

   

   Print

   Looking for a delicious twist on the traditional chicken parmesan? Look no further than Pesto Chicken Parmesan! This recipe combines the best of two worlds: the rich, cheesy goodness of classic chicken parmesan with the fresh, herbal flavor of pesto. The result? A dish that's bursting with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe will become one of your favorites. Let’s dive into how to create the perfect Pesto Chicken Parmesan!

   Prep Time 15 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
   • 1 cup marinara sauce
   • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
   • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
   • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
   • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
   • 2 large eggs
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • Salt and pepper, to taste
   • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Prepare the Chicken:

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

   Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

   2. Bread the Chicken:

   Set up a breading station: place the flour on one plate, beat the eggs in a shallow dish, and spread the breadcrumbs on another plate.

   Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs.

   3. Cook the Chicken:

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown (the chicken will finish cooking in the oven).

   4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:

   Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish.

   Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pesto on top of each chicken breast.

   Spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over the pesto.

   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

   5. Bake the Chicken:

   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

   6. Serve:

   Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

   Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.

   Notes

   Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto or make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts.

   Bread Crumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

   Marinara: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best flavor.

   Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.