The Best 4 Ingredient Pesto Chicken

What is Pesto Chicken?

Pesto chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with pesto sauce, which is traditionally made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This combination creates a vibrant and aromatic meal that's loved by many for its fresh and satisfying taste. You can enjoy pesto chicken grilled, baked, or sautéed, and it's wonderful when served over pasta, in sandwiches, or with a side of vegetables. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests at a gathering.

Why you’ll love this Chicken Pesto recipe

This dish is a delightful blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for any day of the week, it's quick to whip up but tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

1. Flavorful Pesto: If you're a fan of rich, herby flavors, the pesto in this recipe is a dream come true. Made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, it's the heart of the dish that gives it a fresh and vibrant zest.
2. Juicy Chicken: Who doesn’t love tender, perfectly cooked chicken? In this recipe, the chicken is not just a backdrop—it’s marinated to perfection, ensuring every bite is succulent and full of flavor.
3. Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find the steps straightforward and fun.
4. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it up with pasta, over a bed of greens for a lighter option, or sandwiched between crusty bread. It’s perfect for customizing to your preference or dietary needs.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: Looking to impress at your next dinner party or family gathering? This dish has universal appeal, ensuring everyone from picky eaters to food aficionados will leave the table happy and satisfied.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Pesto Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Mayonaise

• Pesto

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How To Make Pesto Chicken

This recipe is easier than it looks. With a limited ingredients list and only 25 minutes of your time (prep and cook times included), Marry Me Chicken is a winning weeknight dinner option. This is one delicious chicken recipe for the whole family!

How to make Pesto Chicken

Season the chicken. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each piece.

Make the pesto sauce. Mix the mayonnaise and pesto together in a large bowl.

Marinate the chicken. Add the seasoned chicken to the sauce and toss to coat well.

Cook the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet, add the chicken in a single layer and cook, flipping the chicken every minute or so until they are golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Serve. Add additional pesto to the chicken and serve.

Top Tips

This recipe is great on its own but there are so many ways you can use this pesto chicken recipe. We always make a double or triple batch because we love the leftovers so much and can get at least 2-3 more meals out of it. Try pairing the pesto chicken with pasta, pizza, on sandwiches or in a salad or soup.

Don’t crowd the skillet. Make sure there is enough space between the chicken pieces so they can cook evenly. You may have to cook the chicken in batches.

Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to be distributed, making it so the meat is juicy.

Storage Tips

Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can enjoy them later on their own, or make a sandwich.

Meal prep: You can assemble this dish up to 1-2 days ahead of time. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

Reheat: For the juiciest chicken, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, covering loosely with foil to retain moisture.

Freeze: You can freeze this chicken for up to 3 months, in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Substitutions And Additions

Chicken. You can use chicken breasts instead of cutlets, just simply tenderize with a meat tenderizer.

Jarred Pesto. You can use homemade pesto if you don’t have jarred in your pantry.

Mayonnaise. You can use sour cream instead of mayonnaise. Or use half mayonnaise and half sour cream.

Make it citrusy. Add a little lemon juice to the pesto sauce for extra acidity.

Add toppings. Try adding sliced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

What to serve with Pesto Chicken

That delicious combination of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan is simply irresistible. To round out your meal, let’s think about some sides that complement those vibrant, herby flavors. Here are a few ideas:

1. Pasta: A classic, isn’t it? You can never go wrong with some al dente pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, pasta makes a great side that lets your chicken pesto shine.

2. Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto sauce and adds a nice crispy texture to your meal. Plus, the garlic pairs wonderfully with the pesto.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Bring some color and balance to your plate with a mix of roasted veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Their natural sweetness complements the savory notes of the pesto.

4. Salad: A fresh green salad is a light and healthy addition. Toss some mixed greens with a simple lemon vinaigrette or even just a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep it bright and refreshing.

5. Risotto: If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a lemony Parmesan risotto can be a creamy, comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of your chicken pesto.

6. Couscous or Quinoa: For a lighter and health-conscious option, couscous or quinoa are fantastic. They’re both super easy to prepare and their subtle flavors allow the pesto to really stand out.

7. Grilled Polenta: For a touch of rustic charm, try serving your chicken pesto over a slice of grilled polenta. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that really makes the meal feel special.

Chicken Pesto: FAQ

What is Pesto?

Pesto is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that originated in Italy—specifically from the beautiful region of Liguria. Pesto is traditionally made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, and a good drizzle of olive oil. The ingredients are blended together, typically in a mortar and pestle, which is actually how pesto got its name—it comes from the Italian word "pestare," which means to pound or crush. It’s incredibly versatile and utterly delicious.

Can I make Pesto Chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can make pesto chicken in the oven, and it's a delicious choice! Oven-baking is a fantastic method to ensure your chicken comes out juicy and infused with the rich flavors of pesto. Here's a simple way to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—whichever you prefer. Lightly season them with salt and pepper.

3. Spread pesto: Coat each piece of chicken generously with pesto. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own if you're feeling adventurous!

4. Arrange the chicken: Place the pesto-slathered chicken in a baking dish. If you want, you can add some vegetables around the chicken for a complete meal. Cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or bell peppers work wonderfully.

5. Bake: Put the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve and enjoy! Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It’s great on its own, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread.

Can I make Pesto Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare pesto chicken ahead of time! It’s a fantastic way to save time and make meal planning a breeze. You can marinate the chicken in pesto and store it in the refrigerator overnight or even for a couple of days. When you’re ready, just cook it according to your recipe. The flavors will have had more time to meld, making your chicken even more delicious. Plus, you can also fully cook the pesto chicken and simply reheat it when needed. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a quick yet tasty meal.

The Best 4 Ingredient Pesto Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless thin cut chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (6.7-ounce) jar DeLallo Traditional Basil Pesto
• 1 tablespoon DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

1. Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl stir together the mayonnaise and pesto. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the marinade and toss well to coat.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet.
4. When the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook, flipping the chicken every minute or so until there is a nice golden brown crust on each side, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Set aside and loosely cover the chicken for at least 5 minutes. Repeat the cooking method with the remaining cutlets.
5. Add additional pesto sauce to the chicken and serve.

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