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.

  • 04 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 6 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Pesto chicken

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.

Ingredients:

8 chicken thighs
800g
1/3 cup olive oil
80g
1.50 cups basil leaves
10g
1/3 cup pine nuts
55g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
40g
2 tbsp lemon juice
10g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- 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.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Season the Chicken:
- 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.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Spread the prepared pesto evenly over the chicken thighs, coating them thoroughly.
5. Bake:
- 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.
6. Serve:
- 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 Facts
Serving Size120 grams
Energy
Calories 290kcal14%
Protein
Protein 20g13%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 2.07g1%
Fiber 0.29g1%
Sugar 0.28g0%
Fat
Fat 33g38%
Saturated 7g23%
Cholesterol 100mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 36ug4%
Choline 50mg9%
Vitamin B1 0.10mg8%
Vitamin B2 0.18mg14%
Vitamin B3 4.94mg31%
Vitamin B6 0.37mg22%
Vitamin B9 7ug2%
Vitamin B12 0.69ug29%
Vitamin C 0.85mg1%
Vitamin E 0.86mg6%
Vitamin K 11ug9%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 54mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.15mg17%
Iron, Fe 1.12mg10%
Magnesium, Mg 36mg9%
Phosphorus, P 230mg18%
Potassium, K 260mg8%
Selenium, Se 20ug38%
Sodium, Na 170mg11%
Zinc, Zn 1.95mg18%
Water
Water 70g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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