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 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 | 14% |
| 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 | 17% |
| 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 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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