Walnut Pesto Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Walnut Pesto Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan, a recipe that combines nutty, herbaceous flavors with tender, golden-seared chicken. A homemade walnut pesto made with toasted walnuts, fresh basil, pungent garlic, and grated Parmesan creates a rich, savory topping that’s baked to perfection, infusing every bite with creamy, zesty goodness. This oven-baked dish is as easy as it is flavorful, with minimal prep and just 30 minutes of cook time. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and garnished with fresh basil, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enliven your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the walnuts, basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth to create the walnut pesto. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the remaining 2 garlic cloves (whole) and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove the skillet from heat, discard the whole garlic cloves, and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of walnut pesto over each chicken breast.
Sprinkle the tops with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
831 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.0 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 173 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 828 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 63.4 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 208 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 692 mg | 15% | |
*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.
