Description
Whipping up Pesto Chicken delivers a quick, nutritious meal that keeps your family happy and satisfied at dinnertime. Tender chicken breasts bathed in fresh basil sauce make weeknight cooking simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce/Seasoning:
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
Cooking/Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper across both sides of the 3-4 chicken breasts, ensuring even seasoning.
- Generously spread ½ cup of fresh basil pesto over each chicken breast, covering the entire surface with a thick, even layer.
- Arrange the pesto-coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, keeping them spaced slightly apart for consistent cooking.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, moist result.
- Slice the chicken against the grain or serve whole, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Thin chicken breasts cook faster, so adjust baking time to prevent drying out the meat.
- Fresh homemade pesto provides richer flavor compared to store-bought versions.
- For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
- Leftover pesto chicken works great in salads, sandwiches, or wraps the next day, keeping your meals interesting and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg