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.
- 21 Mar 2024
- Cook time 6 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 8 Servings
- 7 Ingredients
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:
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 Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 120 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 290kcal | 12% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 20g | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 2.07g | 1% |
| Fiber 0.29g | 1% |
| Sugar 0.28g | 0% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 33g | 38% |
| Saturated 7g | 23% |
| Cholesterol 100mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 36ug | 4% |
| Choline 50mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B1 0.10mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B2 0.18mg | 14% |
| Vitamin B3 4.94mg | 31% |
| Vitamin B6 0.37mg | 22% |
| Vitamin B9 7ug | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 0.69ug | 29% |
| Vitamin C 0.85mg | 1% |
| Vitamin E 0.86mg | 6% |
| Vitamin K 11ug | 9% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 54mg | 4% |
| Copper, Cu 0.15mg | 0% |
| Iron, Fe 1.12mg | 10% |
| Magnesium, Mg 36mg | 9% |
| Phosphorus, P 230mg | 18% |
| Potassium, K 260mg | 8% |
| Selenium, Se 20ug | 38% |
| Sodium, Na 170mg | 11% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.95mg | 18% |
| Water | |
| Water 70g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
More recipes
Chicken meatloaf with white wine and vegetables
Try it today and elevate your homemade meal experience.
14 Apr 2024Smoked salmon pasta with zucchini, lemon and chives
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
10 Jun 2024Shrimps in garlic & white wine
Ready in minutes and seasoned to perfection, it's a seafood lover's dream.
30 May 2024Italian sausage and caramelized onion frittata
This delicious and easy-to-make frittata is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
14 Apr 2024Chicken biryani
Indulge in the ultimate home-cooked comfort food that's both nutritious and delicious.
04 Apr 2024Spiced orange roast chicken
Great for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
25 May 2024Linguine with roasted red peppers and kalamata olives
Easy to prepare and utterly delicious.
11 Jun 2024Sweet and sour meatballs with mustard, brown sugar and worcestershire sauce
Delight in each bite of these flavorful meatballs that are sure to become a family favorite.
30 May 2024Classic beef carpaccio
Thinly sliced beef, topped with toasted pine nuts, fresh chives, and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, comes together to create a dish that's perfect for any special occasion or sophisticated appetizer.
17 May 2024Veggie quesadillas with sour cream and lime
Topped with fresh coriander, rich sour cream, and a splash of lime juice, these quesadillas are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
15 Apr 2024Gluten-free pasta carcione with spinach, goat cheese and cherry tomatoes
Indulge in the rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, all brought together with a touch of olive oil for a deliciously unforgettable meal.
26 Mar 2024Pan-seared chateaubriand steak with red wine sauce
Ideal for special occasions and guaranteed to impress.
23 Mar 2024Ginger basil chicken fried rice
Finished with a splash of soy sauce and fresh basil for a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for any day of the week.
14 Apr 2024Spiced chicken thighs with yellow couscous
Ready in just under an hour, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
14 Apr 2024Honey lime chicken breasts
Quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a household favorite.
03 Jun 2024Chicken and asparagus risotto
Perfectly cooked in savory chicken gravy and a splash of white wine, this delicious risotto is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
17 May 2024