There’s something special about a dish that makes a meal better without taking hours. I first found an easy pesto chicken recipe on a busy weeknight. My friends were coming over, and I wanted to impress them quickly.
With just basil pesto, chicken breasts, and my oven, I made a gourmet dinner. The kitchen filled with the smell of baked chicken and pesto. Everyone was excited for dinner.
The dish looked amazing, with its green pesto chicken. Every bite was juicy and full of basil flavor. It was not only delicious but also healthy, with 272 calories per serving.
It had protein and vitamins. Let’s explore more pesto chicken ideas to make your weeknights better!
Introduction to Pesto Chicken
Pesto chicken is a mix of basil, garlic, olive oil, and cheese. It’s loved for its mix of simple and fancy tastes. It’s great for family meals or a cozy dinner.
Using pesto makes cooking easier, even on busy days. It’s quick to make and tastes amazing. You don’t need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
The recipe is easy to follow, perfect for beginners. It takes about 40 minutes to make. Each serving has 49 grams of protein and only 4 grams of carbs. It’s also rated 4.95 out of 5 by 122 people.
The pesto sauce makes the chicken taste even better. It’s a dish that everyone loves. Cooking with pesto is easy and flavorful, making it a must-have in my kitchen.
Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Making an easy pesto chicken recipe is quick and tasty. It uses chicken, basil pesto, and mozzarella cheese. This makes a great dinner for everyone.
To start, get your ingredients ready. You need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup of basil pesto
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
- 1 cup of grape tomatoes (optional)
First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
After browning, put the chicken in a baking dish. Spread pesto on top and sprinkle mozzarella. Bake for 25 minutes until the chicken is 165°F (74°C). Add tomatoes for extra flavor. Let the cheese melt for 5 more minutes.
This recipe makes four servings. Each serving has 383 calories, 28.3 grams of protein, and 3.3 grams of carbs. It’s good for low-carb, Keto, and South Beach Diet diets.
Feel free to make this pesto chicken your own. You can add more pesto or veggies. It’s a hit with many, making it a great choice for your meals.
Homemade Pesto Chicken: The Best Flavor
Making the best pesto chicken starts with homemade pesto. Making your own basil pesto gives a fresh taste. You’ll need fresh basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
- Start by blending 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of nuts, and 2 cloves of garlic in a food processor.
- Slowly add 1/2 cup of olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and blend until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Now, your pesto is ready. I marinate 4 chicken breasts in 2 tablespoons of pesto for an hour. This lets the chicken soak up the flavors.
Then, I bake or grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Make sure it’s 165°F inside. I add more pesto on top for a tasty sauce.
This recipe makes 4 servings, great for family dinners. Each serving has 49 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbs. It’s perfect for Keto and South Beach diets. Cooking time is just 30 minutes.
My homemade pesto chicken is delicious with veggies or a salad. It’s tasty and fits many diets, making it a favorite meal.
Pesto Chicken Dinner Ideas
Pesto chicken makes a simple meal into a feast. I like trying new ways to serve it. Try it with green beans or a fresh salad for a pretty dish.
Using pasta is another great idea. Cook 12 ounces of pasta as the package says. Serve the chicken and pesto over it for a full meal. Add Parmesan and red pepper for more taste.
Adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms makes it even better. They add flavor and nutrients. Mixing fresh and cooked veggies makes the dish colorful and healthy.
For different tastes, try brown rice or quinoa instead of pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite pesto chicken meal. Cooking a big batch of pesto chicken saves time during the week.
| Serving Ideas | Complementary Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Over pasta | Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes |
| With a salad | Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, vinaigrette |
| On brown rice | Sautéed vegetables, nuts |
| With quinoa | Roasted veggies, herbs |
Flavorful Pesto Chicken Recipe
This flavorful pesto chicken recipe is a tasty twist on a classic dish. It combines creamy mozzarella with vibrant pesto for a delicious meal. Making this easy pesto chicken is simple and quick.
Start with 1.33 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat the chicken with pesto sauce and let it marinate for 2 hours or overnight. Then, add mozzarella slices on top for a gooey finish.
Here’s a quick overview of the time required to prepare this meal:
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Recommended Resting Time after Cooking | 5 minutes |
This easy pesto chicken serves four and has about 489 calories per serving. It’s a filling dinner with 52 g of protein per bite. Add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Having this recipe ready means you always have a hearty meal.
Pesto Chicken: Different Cooking Methods
There are two main ways to cook pesto chicken: grilling and oven baking. Each method adds special flavors and textures. Grilling gives a smoky taste and charred look. Oven baking makes the chicken juicy and even.
Grilling Pesto Chicken
Grilling pesto chicken is fun and adds a great taste to your meal. First, heat your grill to medium-high. Then, cover your chicken in basil pesto. This makes the chicken taste amazing.
Put the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. This way, the chicken gets nice grill marks and a smoky flavor.
Oven Baked Pesto Chicken
Oven baking is easy and doesn’t need much effort. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Put the pesto chicken in a baking dish.
For extra flavor, add fresh mozzarella on top. Bake for 22-26 minutes. This makes sure the chicken is tender and tasty.
Simple Pesto Chicken Dish With Pasta
Making a simple pesto chicken dish with pasta is fun. It mixes tender chicken, creamy pesto, and pasta. The herbs in the pesto make the chicken and pasta taste great.
Start by cooking 8 ounces of penne pasta. Follow the package instructions for 8 to 10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet.
Add sliced chicken breast (about 1 pound) to the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
After cooking the chicken, mix in ½ cup of basil pesto. This coats the chicken well. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the pesto sauce.
For creamier pasta, add ½ cup of heavy cream and some reserved water. This dish serves four and has 444.6 calories per serving. It’s a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats. Top it with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Creating a Delicious Pesto Chicken Meal
Making a tasty pesto chicken meal is more than just cooking chicken. It’s about mixing flavors, textures, and colors that make you happy. I like to serve my pesto chicken with sides that add to the taste. Roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad are great choices.
To make it look good, place the chicken on rice or with roasted veggies. Put the chicken pieces nicely and add more pesto sauce on top. Fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes add color and flavor.
This dish is easy to make, with prep time around 20 minutes. I use 1.5 pounds of chicken breast and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. While the chicken cooks, I roast veggies for 6 to 7 minutes. This way, everything is ready at the same time.
This meal is also good for you, with about 245.8 kcal and 25.7 g of protein per serving. It’s healthy and great for dinner. Plus, leftovers can be stored for up to four days, so you can enjoy it again.
Pesto Chicken Thighs vs. Pesto Chicken Breast
Choosing between pesto chicken thighs and breast can change your dish a lot. Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor. They soak up basil pesto well. They cook in 30 minutes for boneless and 40-50 minutes for bone-in.
Pesto chicken breast is leaner and lighter. It cooks faster, but can get dry if not watched. Pesto’s flavor is great with both, but texture is different.
Think about what you want for dinner. Pesto chicken thighs are moist and savory. They have more fat, which is good with basil. Pesto chicken breast is leaner but drier. Both are tasty, so you can’t go wrong!
