Basil Pesto Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with the fresh, aromatic taste of homemade or store-bought basil pesto.
The pesto’s blend of basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil infuses the chicken with rich, herbaceous notes, creating a simple yet impressive meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, Basil Pesto Chicken delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired freshness in every bite, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal effort.
Basil Pesto Chicken is a fragrant, vibrant dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with the rich, herby flavor of homemade or store-bought basil pesto.
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious — you can enjoy it as a main course with pasta, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, or slice it up for a hearty sandwich or salad topping.
The beauty of pesto lies in its simplicity: fresh basil leaves blended with garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil create a sauce that packs a punch of flavor without overpowering the chicken. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Basil Pesto Chicken
Description
Basil Pesto Chicken is a flavorful, vibrant dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with fresh basil pesto, often made with basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil.
The pesto infuses the chicken with a rich, herby aroma and a slightly nutty taste. This dish can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared, making it versatile for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Often served with pasta, roasted vegetables, or salad, it offers a fresh, summery appeal while still feeling hearty. Its simplicity and bold flavors make it a favorite in Italian-inspired home cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
Instructions
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Prepare the Basil Pesto
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In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
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Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
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With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside.
Tip: If you’re short on time, high-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly well — just check the label for fresh ingredients and minimal additives.
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Prepare the Chicken
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Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear well.
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Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
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Remove from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness.
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Assemble the Dish
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish.
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Spread 2–3 tablespoons of pesto over each breast.
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If using mozzarella, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the pesto is warmed through.
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Serve and Garnish
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Transfer the chicken to serving plates.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra aroma.
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Serve hot with your choice of side dish — pasta tossed with olive oil, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad work beautifully.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 27g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Basil Pesto Chicken – Tips, Tricks & Serving Ideas
Basil Pesto Chicken is a fresh, herby, and flavorful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken with the aromatic punch of basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
While the recipe itself is simple, a few smart tips and tricks can elevate it from “tasty” to “wow, this tastes like a restaurant dish.”
Choosing Your Chicken
- Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on your texture preference. Breasts are leaner and cook faster, while thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving.
- For maximum tenderness, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots.
The Pesto
- Homemade is best – Fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, real Parmesan, and quality olive oil will give you the most vibrant flavor. If pine nuts are expensive, try cashews, walnuts, or even almonds.
- Don’t over-blend – Pulse the ingredients to keep the pesto slightly chunky. Over-processing can make it pasty and dull the color.
- If using store-bought pesto, brighten it up with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of extra Parmesan before using.
Marinating for Flavor
- Coat the chicken with pesto and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the basil and garlic to infuse the meat.
- For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the marinade—it tenderizes the chicken while keeping it moist.
Cooking Methods
- Pan-searing: Heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat, sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden, then reduce heat to cook through. This method gives you a nice crust.
- Oven-baking: Great for hands-off cooking—bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Grilling: Perfect for summer—grill over medium heat, about 5–6 minutes per side. Brush with extra pesto during the last minute for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Sous vide option: Cook at 145°F (63°C) for 1–1.5 hours, then quickly sear. This locks in moisture like nothing else.
Keeping It Juicy
- Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken at 165°F (74°C) for breasts, 170°F (77°C) for thighs.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Extra Flavor Boosts
- Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan right before serving for a cheesy finish.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for more depth.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sweet-tart contrast to the savory pesto.
Serving Ideas
- Over pasta: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil or extra pesto, then top with sliced chicken.
- With roasted vegetables: Pair with zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a colorful plate.
- In a sandwich: Slice the chicken and layer it with mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil in a toasted ciabatta.
- On a salad: Serve over mixed greens with avocado, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- With grains: Try it alongside quinoa, farro, or couscous for a hearty but healthy meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Pesto freezes well—store in small portions in an ice cube tray so you can thaw just what you need.
- For meal prep, cook a double batch of chicken and use it in wraps, salads, or grain bowls during the week.
Serving Ideas
- With Pasta: Toss al dente pasta in extra pesto, and serve the chicken sliced on top for a restaurant-style meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with roasted zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Sandwich Style: Slice the chicken thin and serve in crusty bread with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a gourmet sandwich.
Tips for Success
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, you can gently pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before seasoning.
- Make Ahead Pesto: Prepare pesto up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge, topped with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for those with allergies.
- Grill Option: Instead of pan-searing, grill the chicken for a smoky flavor before topping with pesto.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While pesto can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the chicken plain and add fresh pesto when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to avoid drying out the chicken.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving, without cheese)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~23g
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Fiber: ~1g
This makes it a protein-rich, low-carb option suitable for a variety of diets, including keto-friendly plans.
With these tips and tricks, your Basil Pesto Chicken will always be flavorful, moist, and versatile enough to serve in multiple ways. The key is fresh ingredients, proper cooking technique, and pairing it with complementary sides that let the basil shine.
Conclusion
Basil Pesto Chicken is a perfect blend of simple preparation and bold flavor. The vibrant green pesto infuses each bite with fresh, herby notes while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Its versatility means you can serve it alongside your favorite starches or lighter vegetable sides, making it a go-to dish for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different herbs in the pesto, swap in various cheeses, or even use the same method with seafood like salmon.
This is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complex techniques to create something truly satisfying and impressive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basil Pesto Chicken?
Basil Pesto Chicken is a flavorful dish where chicken breasts or thighs are marinated or coated with basil pesto, then baked, grilled, or pan-seared.
The pesto, made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, infuses the chicken with a fragrant, herby, and nutty taste. It’s often served with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for Basil Pesto Chicken, making the dish quicker to prepare. However, homemade pesto tends to have a fresher flavor and allows you to adjust ingredients like garlic or cheese to your liking.
If using store-bought pesto, choose a high-quality brand with simple ingredients and no artificial additives. You can also experiment with other types of pesto, like sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto, for a twist.
What’s the best way to cook Basil Pesto Chicken?
You can prepare Basil Pesto Chicken in several ways:
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Oven-baked: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.
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Grilled: Grill for 5–7 minutes per side over medium heat.
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Pan-seared: Cook in a skillet for 6–8 minutes per side.
Regardless of the method, avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy. You can add mozzarella or Parmesan on top during the last few minutes for a cheesy variation.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled Basil Pesto Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can alter the pesto’s fresh flavor.
