Pesto Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
271 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pesto Chicken
Description
This Pesto Chicken recipe starts by seasoning chicken breasts and browning them in olive oil for a flavorful crust. The chicken is then transferred to a baking dish where it is coated with a sauce made from melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, basil pesto, and lemon juice. This sauce imparts richness, herbal brightness, and savory depth.
Baking the chicken in this sauce ensures it stays moist and absorbs the combined flavors. After baking, shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the chicken and broiled until the cheese melts and develops golden spots, adding creaminess and texture contrasts. Fresh parsley or basil garnish and halved cherry tomatoes complete the dish with color and freshness.
The recipe provides a straightforward approach to cooking chicken breasts with an herb-forward pesto sauce enriched with lemon and chicken broth. It's suitable for serving with side dishes like roasted vegetables, pastas, or salads to balance the herbaceous and cheesy elements of the entrée.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken breast approximately 4 medium sized breasts, boneless skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley can also use fresh basil, chopped, fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
- cooking spray
- basil optional, or parsley, fresh sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until browned.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, chicken broth, pesto and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reads at least 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken. Set the oven to broil and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
- Sprinkle with parsley and arrange the tomatoes in the dish. Serve, garnished with basil or parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 271 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 271kcal | 14% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 113mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 293mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 536mg | 11% |
| Vitamin A | 305IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 5.6mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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