How to Make Delicious Pesto Chicken in Easy Steps

Pesto chicken is one of the most versatile and flavorful dishes you can make. It’s quick, easy, and delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or simply enjoy it on its own as a main dish.

If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying recipe, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll show you how to make pesto chicken using only a few ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner who’s just starting out, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of this tasty chicken in no time. So, let’s get started!

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to spice up your chicken, look no further than pesto sauce. This tasty blend of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese is sure to add a burst of flavor to any chicken dish. Here’s how to make pesto chicken in 10 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you can start cooking, you’ll need to round up all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need chicken breasts, pesto sauce, salt, pepper, olive oil, and garlic. You can make your own pesto from scratch or use store-bought pesto for convenience.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 3: Season Your Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to season both sides of the chicken to maximize flavor.

Step 4: Make Your Pesto Sauce

If you’re making your own pesto sauce, now is the time to do so. Combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.

Step 5: Coat Your Chicken in Pesto Sauce

Using a spoon or brush, coat your chicken with pesto sauce. Be sure to cover both sides of the chicken evenly.

Step 6: Add Minced Garlic

Mince a clove or two of garlic and sprinkle it over the chicken breasts. This will add another layer of flavor to your pesto chicken.

Step 7: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chicken breasts. This will help to keep the chicken moist while it cooks.

Step 8: Place Chicken in Baking Dish

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 9: Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. This will add a pop of color and freshness to your dish.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your pesto chicken hot and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors. This dish pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

In conclusion, making pesto chicken is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your weeknight meals. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you’re at a loss for what to make for dinner, give this recipe a try!

Ingredients You Need

When it comes to preparing pesto chicken, the ingredients you use can make or break the dish. Here are the essential ingredients you need to make this mouth-watering dish:

1. Chicken breast: One of the key ingredients of this recipe is chicken breast. You can use both boneless and skinless chicken breasts as per your preference.

2. Pesto sauce: A good quality pesto sauce is essential to give your chicken the perfect flavor. You can either prepare it from scratch or buy ready-to-use pesto sauce.

3. Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential to cook chicken and adds a great flavor when sautéed with other ingredients.

4. Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and to add a balanced taste.

5. Garlic cloves: Garlic is used to create a rich flavor in the chicken and to add an additional layer of complexity to the pesto.

6. Lemon juice: Adding lemon juice to the dish gives it a tangy flavor and enhances the taste of chicken.

7. Cherry Tomatoes: Tomatoes add freshness and color to the dish. Cherry tomatoes add the perfect punch of flavor to the dish.

8. Fresh Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves are used to garnish the dish. Make sure to use fresh basil leaves to preserve the original flavor.

9. Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is another great addition to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

10. Pine nuts: Pine nuts are used in pesto sauce. They provide a rich, nutty flavor while adding texture to the dish.

Steps to Make Pesto Chicken

Here are step by step instructions to make this delicious Pesto Chicken recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C.

2. Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel and trim off any excess fat.

3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to your liking.

4. Heat a skillet with olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

5. Once the chicken is browned, remove the chicken from the pan.

6. Add garlic to the same pan and sauté for about a minute to release the flavors.

7. Add pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes to the pan, sauté for about 2-3 minutes, and stir well.

8. Add lemon juice to the pan and mix well.

9. Add chicken back to the pan and spoon pesto sauce over the chicken.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Your delicious pesto chicken is now ready to be served. You can garnish it with chopped basil leaves, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and appeal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How to Cook Pesto Chicken?

Once you have made or bought your pesto sauce, it is time to cook the chicken in a way that brings out the best flavors of both the chicken and pesto. Here are some steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

When it comes to pesto chicken, you want to choose a cut of chicken that can absorb the pesto and retain its juices. Chicken breasts or thigh fillets are great options. Make sure to trim off any extra fat and slice the chicken into thinner pieces for better coating.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken in the pesto sauce for at least 30 minutes allows it to soak into the chicken, infusing it with flavor. Alternatively, you can also brush the pesto sauce on the chicken during cooking for a more intense flavor.

Step 3: Grill or Bake the Chicken

Grilling or baking the chicken are both excellent ways to cook pesto chicken. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor while baking keeps the chicken moist and juicy.

When grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

When baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the chicken in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Add More Pesto

If you want to intensify the flavor of the pesto chicken, add a dollop of pesto sauce on top of the cooked chicken just before serving. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make the dish look more appetizing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pesto chicken immediately with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables or a salad. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Remember that pesto chicken is a versatile dish that goes well with many other foods. Feel free to experiment with your own recipe and add your own personal touches to make it your own.

Happy Cooking!

That’s it for today folks! We hope you enjoyed learning how to make pesto chicken in a relaxed and easy-to-follow way. Now it’s time to head to the kitchen and try it out! Don’t forget to thank us when your family and friends compliment you on your cooking skills! We hope to see you again soon for more delicious recipes. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!