Description
Pesto Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that transforms juicy chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece with the vibrant flavors of homemade pesto. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of herbaceous basil, nutty Parmesan, and fragrant garlic, making it irresistible for any occasion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning—guaranteeing compliments from every guest.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Gradually drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Generously coat each chicken breast with the prepared pesto.
- Place the pesto-covered chicken in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy with steamed veggies or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 517 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg