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Pesto Baked Chicken: A Flavorful Oven Favorite for Home
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Pesto Baked Chicken: A Flavorful Oven Favorite for Home

Savory herb-infused chicken topped with golden pesto crust and oven-baked to perfection. Bright basil, garlic, and olive oil meld with tender poultry for a vibrant, satisfying Italian-inspired dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: LUNCH
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Blend basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor to form a smooth pesto paste.
  4. Add lemon zest and a pinch of salt to the pesto mixture; pulse until creamy and aromatic.
  5. Spread pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
  6. Arrange cherry tomatoes and slivered almonds around and on top of the chicken.
  7. Bake for 35 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs for richer flavor
Use Italian basil for optimal aroma
Reduce garlic to 2 cloves for milder flavor
Olive oil: extra virgin encourages deeper herb infusion
Almonds may be omitted for nut-free version
Bake time may vary based on chicken thickness