Creamy Pesto Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
507 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Pesto Chicken
Description
The recipe starts by slicing chicken breasts into thinner cutlets, which are seasoned lightly with salt and pepper to balance the saltiness of the pesto. The chicken is seared in olive oil and butter until golden on both sides, then removed briefly.
Next, pesto and heavy cream combine in the pan, creating a smooth sauce base. Returning the chicken to the skillet along with its juices allows the protein to cook fully while the sauce thickens gently. A splash of water, white wine, or broth can be added if needed to loosen the sauce before it reduces too much.
The resulting dish offers tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, herb-filled sauce with a hint of nuttiness from the pesto. It can be served with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables to balance richness with starch or greens.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup pesto click for my recipe or use your favorite store bought
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
Instructions
- Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets. Season with salt & pepper (go light on the salt or skip it altogether as some pesto varieties can be quite salty, so you may want to wait until the end to add extra salt).
- Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes/side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pesto and cream to the pan and stir until combined, then add the chicken back to the skillet, along with the plate juices, and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165F) and the sauce has thickened up. Add in a splash of water, white wine, or low sodium chicken broth if the sauce reduces too much before the chicken is cooked.
Notes
- Some store-bought pestos can be salty; adjust added salt during cooking accordingly.
- DeLallo's pesto is a recommended brand for balanced flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 507 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 507kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 150mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 460mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 476mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1.621IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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