Best 8 Pesto Crusted Chicken Breasts Recipes

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Pesto crusted chicken breasts are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of pesto, cheese, and breadcrumbs creates a crispy and flavorful crust that pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken. This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, pesto crusted chicken breasts are sure to impress.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PESTO CHICKEN



Pesto Chicken image

A simple way to prepare chicken that looks like you spent a lot of time preparing. It can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until baked. Be sure to use a good quality pesto for best results. I like to serve it with pasta, but it is also nice sliced and served on a green salad.

Provided by Pjaros

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
½ cup prepared basil pesto, divided
4 thin slices prosciutto, or more if needed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
  • Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto per chicken breast over the top of each breast, and wrap each breast in prosciutto slices to cover the entire breast. Place the wrapped chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink, the juices run clear, and the prosciutto is lightly crisped, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.6 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 83.4 mg, Fat 19.3 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 31.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 433.6 mg

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO-CRUSTED CHICKEN BREAST OVER CREAMY HERB POLENTA



Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto-Crusted Chicken Breast over Creamy Herb Polenta image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes from a jar
2 garlic cloves, quartered
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 (6-ounce) chicken breasts, with wing bone, skin on
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup freshly shredded Cheddar
3 tablespoons chopped scallions
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the chicken with sun-dried tomato pesto crust:
  • For the creamy polenta:
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • For the pesto crust:
  • Blend sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves and basil leaves in a food processor. Stir in Parmesan and add salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside briefly. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breast with pepper only. (The Parmesan in the pesto will provide salt.) Brown both sides of chicken, beginning with skin side first. Coat chicken with pesto and roast in oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until fork tender.
  • For the polenta:
  • Combine chicken stock and cream in a large heavy saucepan. Heat to a gentle boil over medium heat, being careful not to burn. While whisking constantly, gradually add the cornmeal in a thin stream. Once cornmeal is incorporated, keep heat low and continue to whisk until mixture is slightly thickened and creamy. Stir in butter and Cheddar and allow cheese to melt. Season with pepper, (and salt if needed). Spoon polenta onto serving plate, top with chicken breast and garnish with chopped scallions.

PESTO-PARMESAN CRUSTED GRILLED CHICKEN



Pesto-Parmesan Crusted Grilled Chicken image

Spread a thin layer of intensely flavored basil pesto under the skin of chicken breasts, grill, then sit back and garner the compliments.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup Progresso™ panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup basil pesto
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
4 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts (8.25 oz each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Heat gas or charcoal grill. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook garlic in oil about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add bread crumbs. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until toasted. Remove crumb mixture to small bowl. Stir pesto and Parmesan cheese into bowl with crumbs.
  • Loosen skin on chicken to form a pocket, without detaching skin completely. Fill each pocket with pesto mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Place chicken on grill, skin side down, over medium-low heat. Cover grill; cook 10 minutes, moving occasionally as needed to avoid burning the skin. Turn chicken; spoon any remaining pesto over chicken. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut to bone (170°F).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 1 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 770 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g

PESTO PARMESAN CHICKEN



Pesto Parmesan Chicken image

Need a yummy idea for chicken breasts? Try this 4-ingredient idea using crispy panko bread crumbs.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
3 tablespoons basil pesto
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese
Fresh basil leaves, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with foil; spray with cooking spray. Between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper, place each chicken breast smooth side down; gently pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2-inch thick.
  • In shallow dish, mix together pesto and mayonnaise. In another shallow dish. mix together bread crumbs and cheese. Dip chicken into pesto mixture then dip in panko mixture. Place on baking sheet.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (165°F) and coating is golden brown. Garnish with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 39 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving, Sodium 430 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

PESTO CHICKEN BAKE RECIPE BY TASTY



Pesto Chicken Bake Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: chicken breasts, salt, pepper, basil pesto, roma tomato, mozzarella cheese

Provided by Robert Broadfoot

Categories     Lunch

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 chicken breasts
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons basil pesto
1 roma tomato, sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
  • Place chicken breast in a baking dish. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Spread pesto on each chicken breast.
  • Layer tomatoes on top of the chicken.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 40 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 44 grams, Sugar 1 gram

PESTO CRUSTED CHICKEN



Pesto Crusted Chicken image

This is a great dish that I usually serve when I have company. You can use any type of pesto but I prefer Sun Dried Tomato pesto, I have not tried any other kind. It gets rave reviews from my friends.

Provided by Renea

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (7 ounce) package pesto sauce
1/2 cup walnuts
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon, rind of (optional)
4 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Blend pesto, walnuts, 2 Tbs lemon juice, 1 Tbs lemon peel (optional) in food processor until just combined.
  • Place chicken in pan and coat with full mixture then drizzle with the olive oil.
  • Bake 30-45 minutes.
  • This can be served over rice or pasta if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.2, Fat 26.4, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 92.8, Sodium 91.9, Carbohydrate 3.1, Fiber 1, Sugar 0.8, Protein 32.5

PESTO-CRUSTED CHICKEN BREASTS



Pesto-Crusted Chicken Breasts image

Categories     Chicken     Bake     Basil     Walnut     Spring     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 7-ounce package purchased refrigerated pesto
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
4 skinless chicken breast halves with bones
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges

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 PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN BREASTS OVER TOMATO SPINACH PASTA



Pesto Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts over Tomato Spinach Pasta image

This is a quick and easy dish to make. Now, if you have time - marinating the chicken ahead of time in the pesto will make this even better. But if not, you can make this without the marinating process. You can also make your own pesto, however, a good quality store bought brand will work just fine for this. The chicken is simply dredged in pesto and then coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a nice crust. Served with a simple spinach pasta, which is tossed with tomatoes, white wine and fresh basil. Add a quick side salad for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 2h30m

Yield 4-6 Individual Servings, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb spinach pasta (you can really use any of your favorite pastas, but the spinach is best for this)
2 (15 ounce) cans Italian tomatoes
1 small onion, diced (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/3 cup white wine
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped fine
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt
pepper
4 -6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (slightly pounded)
8 ounces pesto sauce (a good quality store bought pesto is fine, or home made if you want)
2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
olive oil
parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Chicken -- I don't like the chicken breasts too thin for this. A scallopini cut is too thin, but lately a few that I have purchased are so thick I had to pound them out a bit.
  • Marinate -- Now, if you have time, place the chicken and pesto in a large baggie and let it marinate, 30 minute and up to 4 hours. But not longer than 4 hours. If you do not have time, don't worry. It can be made right on the spot.
  • Tomato sauce -- I like to start the sauce first. I use a good Italian flavored tomato sauce, but use your favorite sauce. I also like to add a bit more onion and garlic to mine, but remember, you can really add anything you want to make it "Yours.".
  • In a small pot, add the olive oil and bring to medium heat. Then add the onion and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Deglaze with the wine and then add in the tomatoes and let simmer while you prepare the chicken. Before serving - after puree - if you add that step, add in the fresh basil.
  • Note: Depending on what type of tomatoes you use, you may need to puree them. I use my immersion blender or you can use a regular blender. The end result you want a fairly smooth sauce. I like a little texture, but I use big Italian tomatoes, so I like to puree mine a bit. If you use a fine diced tomatoes, you may not need to do that. It is your choice.
  • Chicken -- In a pie plate, or small dish, add the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
  • Now if you marinated the chicken in the pesto remove each chicken breast and lightly shake off any extra. Then dredge in the bread crumb and cheese mixture. If you didn't marinate your chicken, just add the pesto to a small bowl and dip each breast in the pesto, shake off any extra and dredge in the bread crumb and cheese mixture like above.
  • Pasta -- Cook according to package directions.
  • Pan Sear -- In a large skillet (I prefer a non-stick pan for this), heat up the olive oil of medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown. They only take approximately 5-10 minutes per side depending on the thickness of your chicken.
  • Pasta -- Drain the pasta well and toss in the tomato sauce and don't forget to add the fresh basil.
  • Serve -- Plate up the pasta and tomato sauce and then top with a chicken breast. You can garnish with extra parmesan if you want. Just add a salad and dinner. ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 961.8, Fat 16.9, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 98.1, Sodium 1627.4, Carbohydrate 136.4, Fiber 17.6, Sugar 12.6, Protein 60.3

Tips:

  • Choose the right chicken breasts: Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are of a uniform size and thickness. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Make sure the pesto is fresh: Fresh pesto will have a vibrant green color and a nutty, garlicky flavor. If you're using store-bought pesto, be sure to check the expiration date.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can easily become dry and tough if they're overcooked. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  • Let the chicken rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
  • Serve with your favorite sides: Pesto-crusted chicken breasts can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Conclusion:

Pesto-crusted chicken breasts are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, pesto-crusted chicken breasts are sure to be a hit.

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