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Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 2 reviews

This Easy Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked in a creamy, flavorful pesto sauce topped with melted mozzarella and optional tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a simple yet elegant dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 pound chicken breast (4 thin breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Toppings (Optional)

  • 1 cup small tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the final baking step.
  2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.
  3. Sear the chicken: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the pesto cream sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, pesto, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
  5. Combine chicken and sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts back into an ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, then pour the creamy pesto sauce evenly over the chicken.
  6. Add toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. Add small tomatoes if desired for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
  7. Bake: Place the skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Using thin chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and quickly without drying out.
  • If small tomatoes are not available, grape or cherry tomatoes cut in halves are a good substitute.
  • Feel free to swap out heavy cream for a lighter cream alternative if preferred, but the sauce texture may vary slightly.
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce a few extra minutes before combining with the chicken.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/easy-pesto-chicken-recipe/