Chicken with Lemon Thyme Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Chicken with Lemon Thyme Pesto! Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are perfectly seared and paired with a zesty homemade pesto bursting with the fresh flavors of basil, thyme, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Infused with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the nuttiness of pine nuts, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights or elegant entertaining. Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to round out the meal, and prepare to wow your taste buds with every bite of this citrusy-herbaceous delight. Perfect for fans of Italian-inspired cuisine, this recipe is certain to become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and season both sides with the salt and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate and cover to keep warm.
To make the lemon thyme pesto, add the fresh basil leaves, fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and pine nuts to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well chopped.
Stream in 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil while the food processor is running, and blend until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
Transfer the pesto to a small bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the cooked chicken breasts topped with a generous spoonful of lemon thyme pesto. Garnish with additional thyme leaves or grated Parmesan if desired.
Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
656 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.0 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 158 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 787 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.6 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 60.3 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 187 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 620 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
