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pesto chicken

home cooking, taken with iPhone 15 Pro Max. Close-up slight angle of comforting pesto chicken on white plate. mouthwatering --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 260

Pesto chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in vibrant basil pesto and baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. Top each chicken breast with remaining pesto and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over them.
  7. Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken if using.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve pesto chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, try topping with toasted pine nuts before serving.