Pesto Chicken Breasts
4 servings This Pesto Chicken Breasts recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner! Tender chicken is marinated in a vibrant mix of pesto, lemon, and garlic, then pan-seared and finished in the oven or on the grill. Topped with more pesto and melted Parmesan, it's a flavorful and incredibly easy dish that comes... Read more ... together in under 30 minutes for a delicious meal the whole family will love. Read less x saved Tom the Chef Founder July 17, 2025 15 min.30 min.1/5 15 min. 30 min. 1/5 Tools: 1x Measuring Cups1x Measuring Spoons1x Chef’s knife1x Cutting Board1x Meat Mallet (tendorizer)1x Lemon Squeezer (optional)1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press1x Silicone Brush1x Plate1x Plastic Wrap1x Grill or Fry Pan or Sauté Pan (oven proof)1x Turner (Or grill turner)1x Box Grater (if you are grating your parmesan)1x Food Thermometer (probe) 1x Measuring Cups 1x Measuring Spoons 1x Chef’s knife 1x Cutting Board 1x Meat Mallet (tendorizer) 1x Lemon Squeezer (optional) 1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press 1x Silicone Brush 1x Plate 1x Plastic Wrap 1x Grill or Fry Pan or Sauté Pan (oven proof) 1x Turner (Or grill turner) 1x Box Grater (if you are grating your parmesan) 1x Food Thermometer (probe) Directions: Top view of all the ingredients needed for the preparation of Pesto Chicken Breasts, in a close-up top shot on a butcher block countertop. 1. Meat Preparation: Let’s start the preparation of the Pesto Chicken Breasts with the meat preparation. 1.1. Rinse the chicken breasts thoroughly under cold water to remove any surface bacteria and trim off any unwanted parts. 1.2. Butterfly each chicken breast and then cut it in half to create four individual portions. 1.3. Pour and sprinkle the following ingredients on both sides of each portion: Important: The ingredient quantities listed below are for one side only. 1.3.1. Gently squeeze or pour lemon juice over the chicken. 1.3.2. Gently drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. 1.3.3. Place 1 TSP of pesto onto the chicken and grate (or press) ½ garlic clove directly onto it. 1.3.4. Then, use a brush or your fingers to spread it evenly. 1.3.5. Season generously with salt and pepper. Important: The salt is especially important for developing flavor. 1.4. Cover the chicken and let it marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. If you are in a rush, you can skip this step. Note: Alternatively, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator but be sure to let it sit at room temperature for the last 30 minutes before cooking. 2. Pan Sear with Finishing in the Oven or Grill: A. Pan sear with finishing in the oven: 1. Set oven to preheat to 350°F. 2. Preheat the fry pan on medium-high heat with 2 TBSP of frying oil. Note: If portions of chicken breasts are bigger, you may need to work in batches or use two pans. 3. Sear on one side until a nice sear is reached (about 2 minutes). 4. Turn and add on top of each one: 2 TSP of pesto Distribute evenly on the entire surface using a silicone brush. 5. Next, sprinkle the top of each one evenly with: About 2 TBSP of grated Parmesan Optional: 2 TBSP of shredded Mozzarella 6. Pour the leftover marinade over the chicken. 7. Place the meat to finish in a preheated oven until it is fully cooked (about 3 – 4 minutes). * B. Grill: Note: If your grill has a lid, it is best to keep it closed as much as possible. 1. Preheat grill at 350°F. 2. Place the chicken on the grill and brush it with the leftover marinade. 3. Sear on one side until a nice sear is reached (about 2 minutes). 4. Turn and add on top of each one: 1 TBSP of pesto (optionally up to 2 TBSP) Distribute evenly on the entire surface using a brush. 5. Next, sprinkle the top of each one evenly with: About 2 TBSP of grated Parmesan Optional: 2 TBSP of shredded Mozzarella 6. Then grill until it is fully cooked (about 3 – 4 minutes). * 3. Rest and Serve the Pesto Chicken Breasts: 3.1. Let’s rest it for about 2 to 3 minutes before serving. 3.2. Then, serve with baby red potatoes with butter, a side salad, or your favorite side. * Check with a food thermometer to make sure that you have reached the minimum recommended safe serving temperature for poultry of 165°F. Kitchen Guide Poultry The USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 165°F. The popular serving temperature is the same as the minimum serving temperature. About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USA Member since: 2023-02-02 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions. Authors and www.CookingHub.com (operated by CookingHub Foundation) are not responsible for any part of any possible outcome or its consequences, which include (but are not limited to): Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. They must ensure that the ingredients and steps fit with their dietary restrictions and avoid preparation methods that could pose a health risk due to an unsuitable diet.