Pesto chicken
Discover the tantalizing flavors of our Pesto Chicken recipe, featuring succulent chicken thighs marinated in a rich, homemade pesto sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
Cook time 6 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs1/3 cup olive oil
1.50 cups basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp lemon juice
Pesto chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with the aromatic and herbaceous pesto sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for dinner and pairs well with a variety of sides such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. The homemade pesto, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, adds a robust flavor to the chicken, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table.
Instructions:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- While the machine is running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Taste the pesto and add salt and pepper as needed. Blend again to incorporate. Set the pesto aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Spread the prepared pesto evenly over the chicken thighs, coating them thoroughly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the pesto chicken thighs hot, garnished with extra basil leaves or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves and high-quality parmesan cheese.
- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a pan before blending them into the pesto for an added depth of flavor.
- Marinate the chicken in the pesto for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors truly infuse into the meat.
- If you don’t have a food processor or blender, you can finely chop the pesto ingredients by hand, though it will be more time-consuming.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use fewer cloves or roast the garlic before adding it to the pesto.
Pesto chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that brings vibrant flavors to the forefront of your meal. By following this recipe, you'll create a perfectly cooked chicken with a rich and savory pesto that is sure to impress. Enjoy this dish on a special occasion or simply as a delightful weeknight dinner. Remember to experiment and adjust the recipe to your taste preferences, and most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking this flavorful meal.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 290kcal
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 2.07g
Fiber 0.29g
Sugar 0.28g
Fat 33g
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