Pesto Chicken

Pesto Chicken Recipe - Authentic Taste of Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 42 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pesto Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of basil and spinach with the richness of feta cheese and walnuts. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

History

Pesto Chicken is a modern twist on traditional Italian pesto sauce, which is typically made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The addition of spinach, feta cheese, and walnuts in this recipe adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to the dish.

Ingredients

5 cloves of garlic, peeled
0.5 cup of shelled walnuts
spinach leaves
3 basil leaves
0.5 cup of crumbled feta cheese
4 chicken breasts, thighs, or legs
1 beaten egg
1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs

How to prepare

In a small food processor or blender, pulse the washed and dried spinach leaves until blended twice.
Add 0.5 cup of crumbled feta cheese and basil leaves to the food processor. Pulse until a thick paste is formed.
Using a tenderizer, pound the chicken breasts, thighs, or legs until they are thin but not torn. Spread 1-2 tbsp of pesto on the middle of each breast half.
Wrap each breast, thigh, or leg in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Then, dredge in 1 beaten egg and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Heat 0.5 cup of oil in a frying pan. Fry the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 7 minutes).
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the fried chicken in the oven and bake uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°C and is opaque in the middle.
Allow the chicken to rest while you set the table and light the candles, or prepare a hollandaise sauce. Serve hot with the homemade pesto.

Variations

Substitute pine nuts or almonds for the walnuts in the pesto sauce.
Use goat cheese or Parmesan cheese instead of feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the pesto sauce for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Instead of the homemade pesto, add 4 tbsp store-bought pesto sauce to the pounded chicken breasts, thighs, or legs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the chicken breasts, thighs, or legs until they are thin but not torn to ensure even cooking.

- Refrigerating the chicken after spreading the pesto on it helps the flavors to meld together.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pesto Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the chicken in oil before baking helps to create a crispy and golden brown crust.

- Baking the chicken in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute arugula or kale for the spinach in the pesto sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pesto sauce and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

- Store the leftover pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Pesto Chicken with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation. - Serve the chicken on a bed of cooked quinoa or couscous for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pesto Chicken with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious pesto sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pesto Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

- Calcium: 10% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (feta cheese)

Summary

Pesto Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a nutritious option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the freshness of basil and spinach with the richness of feta cheese and walnuts. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors and nutritious benefits of this tasty dish!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Pesto Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria at her home in the countryside. Maria was an excellent cook, and I always looked forward to trying her delicious dishes.

On that particular day, Maria had invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared dinner for her family. As we chatted and chopped vegetables, she suddenly pulled out a jar of bright green pesto sauce from her pantry.

"I'm going to make my famous Pesto Chicken for dinner tonight," Maria declared with a smile. "It's a family favorite, and I'm sure you'll love it."

I watched in awe as Maria expertly seasoned the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before spooning generous amounts of pesto sauce on top. She then popped the dish into the oven to bake, and the tantalizing aroma that filled the kitchen made my mouth water.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Pesto Chicken, and it was a revelation. The combination of the tender chicken and the flavorful pesto sauce was simply divine. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After dinner, I asked Maria for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to teach me how to make it. We spent the next few hours in the kitchen, as Maria guided me through the steps of preparing the Pesto Chicken. She explained the importance of using high-quality pesto sauce and how to properly season the chicken to bring out the flavors.

As we worked together, Maria also shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had first learned how to make Pesto Chicken from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. Maria had put her own twist on the dish over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly her own.

I listened intently as Maria spoke, realizing the deep connection that food can create between generations. I felt grateful to be able to learn this recipe from her, knowing that I would be able to pass it down to my own family in the future.

Once the Pesto Chicken was ready, Maria and I sat down to enjoy our creation. The dish was just as delicious as the one she had made earlier, and I savored every bite.

From that day on, Pesto Chicken became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, delighting my loved ones with the same flavors that had captivated me that summer day at Maria's.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a tribute to the bond between friends and the joy of sharing a meal together.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first learned to make Pesto Chicken, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that food has brought into my life. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share my recipes with others, the legacy of my grandmother, Maria, and all the cooks who came before me will live on in each delicious bite.