Marinated Pesto Chicken
Elevate your chicken dinner game with this irresistible Marinated Pesto Chicken recipe! Juicy, tender chicken breasts are infused with the robust flavors of homemade basil pesto, made with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, fragrant garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. This easy yet flavorful marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and aromatic, whether grilled to smoky perfection or baked in the oven. With just 15 minutes of prep, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. Serve it topped with a dollop of reserved pesto for an extra burst of flavor, and pair it with a crisp side salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal. Perfect for pesto lovers and dinner enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Pine nuts
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cups Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice. Blend until the mixture resembles a coarse paste.
Gradually add olive oil to the food processor while blending, until the pesto is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour 3/4 of the prepared pesto over the chicken, reserving the remaining pesto for serving. Massage the pesto into the chicken to ensure they are well-coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat your grill or oven. For grilling, heat to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
If grilling, cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with the reserved pesto.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2802 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 195.6 g | 251% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.7 g | 178% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 632 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 3560 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 242.9 g | 486% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 596 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2383 mg | 51% | |
*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.
