Easy Pesto Chicken: Two Delicious Recipe Ideas

Pesto chicken is a classic dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make. It’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook, but still want a satisfying and delicious meal. This recipe uses a homemade pesto for the ultimate freshness and allows you to control the ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup pine nuts

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Make the Pesto:

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients.

With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a desired consistency. You can leave it a little chunky or blend it until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake the Chicken:

Spoon the pesto evenly over the chicken breasts.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve:

Serve the pesto chicken immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta, roasted vegetables, or rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 500

Fat: 30g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Carbohydrates: 10g

Protein: 50g

Sodium: 400mg (depending on salt used)

Note: These are approximate nutrition facts and may vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Conclusion:

Pesto chicken is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, the homemade pesto adds a burst of flavor to the chicken. This recipe is a great way to use up fresh basil leaves and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or don’t have fresh basil on hand, feel free to use a good quality store-bought pesto. Just be sure to choose one that uses fresh ingredients and doesn’t have any added preservatives.

2. What other nuts can I use besides pine nuts?

Pine nuts can be expensive, so you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will offer a slightly different flavor profile to the pesto, so experiment and find what you like best.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the baking dish with the chicken, or serve it over a bed of pasta or quinoa.

4. What are some other ways to use leftover pesto?

Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in many different ways. Here are a few ideas:

Toss it with pasta for a quick and easy meal.

Spread it on toasted bread for a delicious appetizer.

Use it as a marinade for fish or shrimp.

Stir it into scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast.

Add a dollop to soups or stews for added depth of flavor.

5. Can I freeze the pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes very well. Simply portion the pesto into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the pesto in the refrigerator overnight before using.