Quick & Creamy Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a mouthwatering pesto chicken becomes a breeze when you know the right tricks.

Summers call for simple, delightful meals that burst with fresh flavors.

Herbs dancing across tender chicken create magic in your kitchen.

Mediterranean influences shine through this quick and satisfying dinner option.

Basil-packed pesto coats each succulent chicken piece with incredible depth and richness.

Cooking enthusiasts will appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Easy Pesto Chicken That Brings Bright Flavors

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and antioxidant-rich basil, this recipe delivers a powerful nutritional punch that supports muscle health and boosts immunity.
• Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks or beginners who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile dish allows simple variations like adding roasted vegetables, swapping chicken with fish, or adjusting pesto ingredients to match personal taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Fast preparation and straightforward baking process mean you can have a gourmet-style meal on the table in less than an hour, solving dinner dilemmas with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Juicy and Herbaceous Pesto Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this easy and flavorful dish.

• Basil, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh herbs and cheese that create a classic, aromatic pesto sauce with bold flavor.
• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Liquid ingredients that help blend the pesto and add brightness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken and provide a simple but essential flavor foundation.

How to Prepare Easy Pesto Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray or light coating of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Take your chicken breasts and gently pat them completely dry using paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for delicious seasoning.

Step 3: Whip Up Fresh Pesto Sauce

• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice

Blend everything until the mixture transforms into a smooth, vibrant green sauce.

Step 4: Coat Chicken With Pesto

Spread half of the freshly made pesto directly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

Keep the remaining pesto sauce to the side for later.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Before serving, drizzle the reserved pesto sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Flavorful Pesto Chicken Every Time

• Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken moist by adding a splash of olive oil when reheating. Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat, ensuring equal cooking time. Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for a vegan-friendly pesto sauce that maintains creamy texture. Use fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor intensity, choosing bright green leaves without dark spots or wilting. Meal prep by preparing extra pesto and freezing in small portions, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or adding instant zest to various dishes.

Flavorful Variations on Easy Pesto Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace basil with oregano and parsley for a Greek-inspired pesto chicken, adding feta cheese on top.
• Dairy-Free Pesto Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, blend with cashews for creamy texture and plant-based protein.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix roasted jalapeños into the pesto for a kick, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime zest.
• Low-Carb Almond Pesto: Create pesto using almonds instead of traditional pine nuts, perfect for keto dieters seeking flavor-packed protein.

Pairings That Go Well with Pesto Chicken

• Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the herbaceous pesto flavors and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Create a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the pesto's zesty profile and adds vibrant texture to the meal.
• Prepare garlic-roasted zucchini or asparagus with a light olive oil drizzle that harmonizes with the pesto's green notes and provides a nutritious vegetable component.

How to Keep Easy Pesto Chicken Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What ingredients make pesto sauce authentic?

Traditional pesto originates from Genoa, Italy, and includes fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. This recipe follows classic ingredients but offers a simplified version.

• Can I use different herbs for pesto?

Yes, while basil is traditional, you can experiment with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or arugula. Each herb will provide a unique flavor profile to your pesto chicken.

• Is homemade pesto healthier than store-bought?

Homemade pesto allows you to control ingredients, reduce preservatives, and adjust salt and oil levels. It’s typically fresher and more nutritious than pre-packaged versions.

Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 34 1x

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Description

Homemade pesto chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Fresh basil, tender chicken, and parmesan cheese create a simple Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 34 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup basil leaves (fresh)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Thoroughly pat chicken breasts with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Create a vibrant pesto sauce by blending fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Spread approximately half of the prepared pesto evenly across the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage in the baking dish.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring the internal chicken temperature until it precisely reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
6. Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain moisture and tenderness.
7. Finish the dish by drizzling the remaining pesto sauce over the cooked chicken just before serving, enhancing its fresh herbaceous flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize pesto by swapping basil with other herbs like cilantro or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
• Ensure chicken breasts are similar thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of olive oil in pesto or choosing low-fat Parmesan cheese.
• Make dish gluten-free and dairy-free by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast and using pine nut or sunflower seed alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 34
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg