Pesto Chicken Recipe

Chicken, when paired with pesto, creates a dish that is nothing short of delightful. Pesto is a fragrant, flavorful sauce that adds a refreshing, herby richness to the tender, juicy chicken. Whether served as a main dish with sides or as part of a larger meal, Pesto Chicken is a versatile recipe that combines simplicity with an explosion of flavors. It is quick, easy to make, and extremely satisfying for both family dinners and guests.

The vibrant green pesto, made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, complements the chicken in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. This guide will walk you through all the steps to create Pesto Chicken, from marinating the chicken to cooking and serving it with your preferred sides.

Instructions

1. Preparing the Pesto Sauce

1.1 Begin by preparing the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice (if using). Pulse the ingredients several times to break them down into smaller pieces. You can also use a mortar and pestle for a more traditional approach, although a food processor is much quicker and easier.

1.2 While the food processor is running, slowly stream in the olive oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or more lemon juice to your liking.

1.3 Once the pesto is ready, set it aside while you prepare the chicken. You can store the pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. For freezing, pour the pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze individual portions for easy use later.

2. Preparing the Chicken

2.1 If you have thick chicken breasts, you can cut them in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets or use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook faster.

2.2 Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. For added flavor, you can drizzle a little lemon juice on the chicken or marinate it for 30 minutes (optional). The marinade can consist of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. This step is optional but will add moisture and extra flavor to the chicken.

2.3 Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. You should hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2.4 Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period ensures the juices stay locked inside the chicken, keeping it moist and tender.

3. Adding the Pesto to the Chicken

3.1 Once the chicken has rested, place it back in the skillet or on a serving platter. Spoon the pesto sauce generously over the top of each chicken breast. The heat from the chicken will warm the pesto, allowing its flavors to meld together with the chicken.

3.2 Optionally, you can return the chicken to the skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes to warm the pesto sauce further, or you can drizzle the pesto directly on top of the chicken once it’s plated.

3.3 Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese. For a zesty touch, serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken before eating.

4. Serving Suggestions

4.1 Serve the Pesto Chicken with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Here are some great options:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are fantastic with pesto chicken. The smoky flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the herbal pesto.

• Pasta: Serve with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, tossed in extra pesto sauce for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

• Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy serving of rice or quinoa can help absorb the extra pesto sauce, making for a balanced and filling dish.

• Salads: A fresh salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, topped with a light vinaigrette, works well as a side to balance the richness of the pesto.

4.2 Pesto Chicken also works wonderfully as a topping for sandwiches, wraps, or as a meal prep option for the week. Simply shred the leftover chicken and toss it with extra pesto for a flavorful, protein-packed lunch.

Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil is the key to making the most flavorful pesto. If possible, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.

2. Adjusting Pesto Consistency: If your pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more olive oil or a splash of water or chicken broth to get the desired consistency.

3. Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest after cooking to prevent it from becoming dry. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

4. Grilling Option: You can grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for a smoky flavor. Simply season the chicken and grill it over medium heat until fully cooked, then add the pesto on top.

5. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to customize the pesto to your liking. You can swap the pine nuts for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. You can also add other herbs like parsley or mint for a unique twist.

Variations of Pesto Chicken

While classic basil pesto is a crowd favorite, there are many variations of pesto that you can use to customize your chicken. Here are a few ideas:

1. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor to your pesto. To make sun-dried tomato pesto, replace half of the basil with sun-dried tomatoes in the pesto recipe. Add a little extra olive oil to help achieve the desired consistency.

2. Spinach and Walnut Pesto Chicken

For a slightly different take, swap out the basil for fresh spinach and the pine nuts for walnuts. This variation gives the pesto a slightly earthier flavor while still maintaining its creamy texture.

3. Arugula and Parmesan Pesto Chicken

For a peppery and slightly more pungent flavor, replace basil with arugula in your pesto. The sharpness of arugula works well with the richness of the Parmesan and garlic.

4. Cashew Pesto Chicken

If you prefer a nutty, smooth pesto, try using cashews instead of pine nuts. This variation will result in a slightly creamier pesto, perfect for those who love a rich, velvety sauce.

5. Kale Pesto Chicken

Kale pesto is a great option for those looking to add more greens to their meals. The kale offers a hearty, slightly bitter flavor, while the nuts and Parmesan add richness.

Reheating:

• Reheating Chicken: To reheat the chicken, place it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a little water or broth to prevent the pesto from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, checking after each burst to avoid overcooking.
• Reheating Pesto: If needed, reheat the pesto separately in a pan over low heat or by microwaving it. Be sure not to overheat, as this can cause the oil to separate from the sauce.

Conclusion

Pesto Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that anyone can make and enjoy. Whether you stick to the classic basil pesto or experiment with other variations, this meal offers an incredible balance of freshness, richness, and depth of flavor. It is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week. With the right pesto recipe and the right technique, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Enjoy your Pesto Chicken!

Yield: 4

Pesto Chicken Recipe

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Chicken, when paired with pesto, creates a dish that is nothing short of delightful. Pesto is a fragrant, flavorful sauce that adds a refreshing, herby richness to the tender, juicy chicken. Whether served as a main dish with sides or as part of a larger meal, Pesto Chicken is a versatile recipe that combines simplicity with an explosion of flavors. It is quick, easy to make, and extremely satisfying for both family dinners and guests.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• For Homemade Pesto (if making from scratch):
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto (if using homemade)

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

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. 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.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Add Pesto

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

Step 4: Serve

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

Notes

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