Pesto Chicken is a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, vibrant pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts. This easy-to-make dish bursts with flavor and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. It can be served with a side of roasted veggies or atop a bed of pasta. It is a simple yet elegant meal that comes together in no time. Garlicky pesto complements the juicy chicken perfectly, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of fresh, bold flavors.
What is Pesto Chicken?
Pesto chicken is simply chicken breasts (or thighs) cooked and coated in a rich pesto sauce. The pesto, which is a blend of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, infuses the chicken with flavor. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and gourmet, and can be made in a variety of ways depending on your preferences. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken, pesto adds a unique depth of flavor that elevates the entire meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Pesto Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a flavorful pesto sauce lies in the freshness of the basil and garlic. Opt for fresh basil leaves rather than dried herbs for that vibrant, herby taste.
Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling your chicken breasts. The charred bits from the grill pair perfectly with the herby pesto sauce.
Use a Food Processor: For the smoothest pesto, a food processor works wonders. It ensures the pesto is blended evenly and creamy.
Pesto Storage: If you have leftover pesto, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for future use.
Adjust Consistency: If your pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or more olive oil until you reach the desired consistency.
Variations of Pesto Chicken
While classic pesto is made with basil, there are many variations to suit your taste preferences.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken
Add a twist to the traditional pesto by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes. Blend sun-dried tomatoes into the pesto mix for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Vegan Pesto Chicken
To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan. You can also use plant-based chicken alternatives for a full plant-based meal.
Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella
For an indulgent treat, top your pesto-coated chicken with fresh mozzarella slices and bake until melted. This adds a creamy texture and a delicious contrast to the sharp pesto.
Pesto Chicken Thighs
For a juicier and more flavorful option, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They cook well with pesto, and their slightly higher fat content makes them extra tender.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken
Pesto chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
1. Over Pasta
One of the most popular ways to enjoy pesto chicken is served over a bed of pasta. Choose your favorite pasta shape – spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work wonderfully. The chicken and pesto sauce make the perfect topping!
2. With Roasted Vegetables
Serve the pesto chicken alongside a medley of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. The roasted veggies enhance the meal’s flavors while providing a healthy side.
3. On a Salad
For a lighter meal, serve the pesto chicken on a bed of greens like arugula or mixed salad. Add some cherry tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
4. With Rice or Quinoa
Serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa to make the dish more filling. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs beautifully with the aromatic pesto.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover pesto chicken, here’s how to store it:
In the Refrigerator:
Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Freezing:
To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or don’t have the ingredients for homemade pesto, store-bought pesto is a great option. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option! They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can enhance the dish. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How do I make pesto without pine nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts on hand or prefer an alternative, you can substitute them with walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds. The flavor might differ slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
Can I make pesto chicken ahead of time?
Yes, pesto chicken can be prepared ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and refrigerate it, then add the pesto sauce when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Pesto Chicken
Pesto Chicken is a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, vibrant pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts. This easy-to-make dish bursts with flavor and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. It can be served with a side of roasted veggies or atop a bed of pasta. It is a simple yet elegant meal that comes together in no time. Garlicky pesto complements the juicy chicken perfectly, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of fresh, bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb.)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner portions (or pound them evenly). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping to brown both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add the remaining olive oil, garlic, and grape tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add the heavy cream and pesto to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turning it to coat in the creamy pesto sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 342Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 85mgSodium 221mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 22g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final outcome
Pesto Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a special dinner. With its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and countless variations, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal planning. Whether you stick with the classic or try out one of the variations, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with taste.
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