Indulge in the vibrant flavors of pesto-crusted chicken, a culinary delight that tantalizes your taste buds with its aromatic and savory crust. This delectable dish features succulent chicken breasts coated in a vibrant green pesto, bursting with fresh basil, fragrant garlic, and nutty pine nuts. Perfectly seared to golden perfection, the chicken delivers a juicy and tender interior, while the crispy pesto crust adds a delightful crunch and an explosion of flavors. Accompanying the main course are three exceptional recipes that elevate the dining experience. A refreshing arugula salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette dressing provides a light and zesty counterbalance to the richness of the chicken. Roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized with a hint of honey and sprinkled with aromatic thyme, offer a sweet and earthy complement. To complete the meal, a creamy and flavorful pesto pasta, tossed with al dente penne noodles, fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of olive oil, brings together all the elements of the meal in a harmonious and satisfying way.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
PESTO-CRUSTED CHICKEN BREASTS
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Blend pesto, chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and grated lemon peel in processor just until combined. Place chicken on large rimmed baking sheet. Coat all of chicken with pesto mixture. Drizzle with oil. Bake chicken until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to platter. Tent with foil.
- Strain pan juices into small bowl, pressing on solids in strainer to extract as much liquid as possible. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over chicken. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
PESTO CRUSTED CHICKEN
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425F. Blend pesto, walnuts, 2 Tbs lemon juice and grated lemon peel in processor just until combined. Place chicken on a large rimmed baking sheet. Coat all chicken with the toping. Add 2 Tbs lemon juice to pan and cook for 35 min. Use juices to baste chickens while cooking.
Tips:
- Choose the right chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best option for this recipe. They are lean and cook quickly, making them a perfect choice for a weeknight meal.
- Make sure the pesto is fresh. Fresh pesto will give your chicken the best flavor. If you don't have time to make your own, you can buy a good-quality store-bought pesto.
- Don't skip the bread crumbs. The bread crumbs help to create a crispy crust on the chicken. If you don't have bread crumbs, you can substitute crushed crackers or cornflakes.
- Bake the chicken at a high temperature. This will help to create a crispy crust and juicy interior. If you don't have a high-temperature oven, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad are all great options.
Conclusion:
Pesto-Crusted Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make weeknight meal. It's perfect for a busy family or anyone who loves a quick and flavorful meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that the whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give Pesto-Crusted Chicken a try.
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