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Chicken Pesto

A delectable dish of juicy chicken breasts smothered in rich basil pesto sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts Juicy chicken breasts for the main protein.
  • 1 cup pesto sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the chicken.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper Generously season the chicken.
  • Parmesan cheese to taste Parmesan cheese For serving on top.
  • Pine nuts optional Pine nuts For garnish, optional.
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh basil leaves For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over each chicken breast.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  7. Serve decorated with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For quicker cooking, use thinly sliced chicken. You can experiment with homemade pesto by incorporating ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or arugula. This dish is versatile; feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or tofu.