Pesto Chicken
Contents
- 1 Ingredients of the Pesto Chicken
- 2 Suggested Side Dishes:
- 3 Pesto Chicken
- 4 To properly store pesto chicken and maintain its freshness, follow these steps:
- 5 Pesto chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and flavorful pesto sauce. Here are some great options:
- 6 You Might Also Like
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- 8 5 Ingredient Alfredo Sauce
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- 10 5-Ingredients Ketogenic Diet Cookbook
Delight in the vibrant flavors of our Pesto Chicken, a wholesome and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. This recipe features tender boneless chicken breast simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and seasoned with sea salt and black pepper. The highlight of this dish is the homemade pesto, made with fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, walnuts, tamari, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. The addition of chopped white onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Paired with your favorite side dishes, this Pesto Chicken is sure to become a household favorite.
Why is pesto so yummy? The pesto comes from the northern Italian region of Liguria, a jagged arch in the sea that some call home to the country’s fragrant herbs. And it’s these herbs, especially basil, that make pesto such a vibrant summer treat. Recipes often vary, but the basic ingredients always include the basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano.
Ingredients of the Pesto Chicken
- 1/3 White Onion (chopped)
- 12 ozs Boneless Chicken Breast
- 3/4 cup Vegetable Broth
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 3/4 cup Basil Leaves (packed)
- 1 1/2 cups Baby Spinach
- 1/3 cup Walnuts
- 2 1/4 tbsps tamari
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3/4 Garlic (clove)
- 3/4 Lemon (juiced)
- 2 1/4 tsps Tamari
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, roasted to perfection.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and butter.
- Steamed Asparagus: Simple and nutritious, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
Pesto Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/3 White Onion chopped
- 12 oz Boneless Chicken Breast
- 3/4 cup Vegetable Broth
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup Basil Leaves packed
- 1 1/2 cups Baby Spinach
- 1/3 cup Walnuts
- 2 1/4 tbsps Tamari
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3/4 Garlic Clove
- 3/4 Lemon juiced
Instructions
- Place diced onion in a skillet cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes in both sizes.
- Pour the broth.
- Cook for about 20 minutes or till the breasts are well done.
- Combine basil, spinach, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and tamari in a food processor. Pulse well until smooth.
- Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge until the chicken is ready.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and shred with two forks.
- Mix in the pesto and toss well.
Notes
Is pesto good or bad for you? Like all good things in life, pesto is healthy in moderation. Although pesto is high in fat and calories, it also contains many nutrients.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fats, pesto gives your body the tools to keep your cells and heart healthy. If you watch your diet, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy pesto.
To properly store pesto chicken and maintain its freshness, follow these steps:
- Refrigerating Pesto Chicken:
Cool Completely: Let the pesto chicken cool to room temperature before storing it.
Airtight Container: Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Storage Time: Store the pesto chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until it’s thoroughly warmed. To maintain moisture, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel if microwaving, or cover with foil if reheating in the oven. - Freezing Pesto Chicken:
Cool Completely: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before freezing.
Wrap Tightly: Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Freezer Bag/Container: Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date.
Storage Time: The pesto chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: Defrost the chicken by transferring it to the refrigerator overnight or using the microwave’s defrost setting. - Reheating from Frozen:
Microwave: Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, using a low setting for 2-3 minutes, then finish heating at full power.
Oven: Reheat the frozen chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out.
This ensures your pesto chicken remains flavorful and safe to eat!
Pesto chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and flavorful pesto sauce. Here are some great options:
- Pasta:
Pasta with Olive Oil or Garlic: Lightly toss some pasta (like penne, spaghetti, or fusilli) with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to balance the pesto flavor.
Pesto Pasta: For an extra punch of pesto, toss the pasta with some additional pesto sauce, which complements the chicken beautifully. - Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted Asparagus, Zucchini, or Bell Peppers: These vegetables complement the fresh flavors of pesto and provide a nutritious side.
Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower: A crispy, roasted vegetable pairs perfectly with the tender pesto chicken. - Grains:
Quinoa: A light and nutritious option that absorbs the flavors of the pesto well.
Rice: A side of brown rice or wild rice adds a nutty flavor and makes the meal more filling.
Couscous: Another quick and easy grain that pairs well with the pesto flavor. - Salads:
Caprese Salad: Made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, this salad complements the Italian flavors in the pesto.
Greek Salad: A Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese offers a fresh and crunchy side. - Bread:
Garlic Bread: A crunchy, garlicky bread can help soak up the extra pesto sauce.
Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of toasted baguette with a light drizzle of olive oil to complement the pesto chicken. - Mashed Potatoes:
A side of creamy mashed potatoes balances the herbaceous pesto with its rich, comforting texture. - Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles):
For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil or a little extra pesto make a light and fresh side dish. - Polenta:
Creamy polenta or grilled polenta cakes make for a delicious, hearty accompaniment to pesto chicken.
Each of these side dishes complements the flavors of pesto chicken, offering a well-rounded and satisfying meal!
