What is Pesto Chicken? The Ultimate Guide to This Flavorful Italian-Inspired Dish

Hey there, foodies! Today I’m super excited to dive into one of my absolute favorite dishes that combines simplicity with incredible flavor – pesto chicken! If you’ve ever wondered “what is pesto chicken?” or you’re looking for some inspiration for your next dinner, you’re in the right place. This delicious culinary creation has become a staple in my household, and I can’t wait to share everything I know about it with you.

Understanding Pesto Chicken: The Basics

At its heart, pesto chicken is exactly what it sounds like – chicken prepared with pesto sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can range from simple pan-seared chicken breasts topped with vibrant green pesto to baked chicken marinated in this fragrant sauce. The beauty of pesto chicken lies in how it transforms an ordinary protein into something extraordinary with minimal effort

In my kitchen, pesto chicken has become my go-to “impress the guests without spending hours cooking” meal. The marriage of tender chicken with the bold, herbaceous flavors of pesto creates a dish that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did!

The Two Key Components

The Star of the Show: Pesto

Pesto traditionally known as pesto Genovese originates from Genoa, Italy. The classic version is a vibrant green sauce made with

• Fresh basil leaves (the more aromatic, the better!)
• Garlic cloves
• Pine nuts
• Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil

The name “pesto” comes from the Italian word “pestare,” which means “to pound” or “to crush” – referring to the traditional method of making it with a mortar and pestle These days, most of us (myself included!) take the shortcut and use a food processor

While traditional pesto follows this classic recipe, there are countless variations that incorporate ingredients like:

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Walnuts or almonds (instead of pine nuts)
• Arugula or kale (substituting some or all of the basil)
• Different cheeses like pecorino

The key to amazing pesto is using fresh, high-quality ingredients – especially the basil, which should be as fresh and fragrant as possible.

The Canvas: Chicken

Chicken is the perfect protein partner for pesto because it’s:

• Mild in flavor, allowing the pesto to shine
• A lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully
• Versatile in preparation methods
• Widely available and affordable

You can use virtually any cut of chicken for pesto chicken, including:

• Chicken breasts (most common and quickest to cook)
• Chicken thighs (more flavorful and forgiving)
• Drumsticks
• Whole roasted chicken
• Ground chicken (for pesto chicken meatballs)

Each cut offers different textures, cooking times, and fat content, giving you plenty of options to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Popular Methods of Preparing Pesto Chicken

One of the reasons I love pesto chicken so much is its flexibility. Here are some common ways to prepare it:

1. Pan-Seared Pesto Chicken (My Weeknight Go-To)

This is probably the quickest and simplest method. I season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, pan-sear them until golden brown, and then finish with a generous dollop of pesto. This method works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and can be on your table in under 30 minutes.

2. Baked Pesto Chicken

Baking allows the pesto flavors to meld with the chicken as it cooks. You can either:

• Marinate the chicken in pesto before baking
• Spread pesto on top during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning

This method is excellent for chicken thighs or drumsticks, as the longer cooking time allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

3. Grilled Pesto Chicken

Perfect for summer cookouts! The smoky flavor from the grill complements the vibrant pesto beautifully. Chicken breasts or skewers marinated in pesto are ideal for grilling.

4. Stuffed Pesto Chicken

For a fancier presentation, butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with pesto, mozzarella cheese, and maybe some sun-dried tomatoes. Then bake or pan-sear until cooked through. This always impresses my dinner guests!

5. Pesto Chicken Pasta

My personal favorite! Combine diced pesto chicken with pasta, additional pesto, and maybe some cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor.

Making the Perfect Pesto Chicken: A Quick Recipe

Here’s my go-to recipe for a simple skillet pesto chicken that takes just 25 minutes from start to finish:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breast cutlets (about 5-6 ounces each)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought is fine!)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, but recommended)
• 1 lemon (zest and 1 tablespoon juice)

Method:

1. Season the chicken cutlets with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the chicken in an even layer and cook until golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 155°F, about 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through.
4. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Don’t clean the skillet!
5. Reduce heat to medium, add onion and cook until softened (about 2 minutes).
6. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
7. Stir in cream, remaining salt and pepper, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Simmer until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes).
9. Return chicken to the skillet with any accumulated juices and cook until heated through (about 2 minutes).
10. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto, Parmesan, basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
11. Garnish with extra basil if desired and serve!

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Pesto Chicken Meal

Pesto chicken pairs beautifully with so many side dishes. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Carb Companions:

• Pasta (angel hair, spaghetti, or bucatini are perfect for catching all that delicious sauce)
• Crusty Italian bread (for soaking up every last bit of pesto sauce)
• Rice or quinoa
• Creamy polenta

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Caprese salad (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil)
• Sautéed spinach or kale

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Pesto: What’s Best?

While homemade pesto is undeniably delicious, I’m the first to admit that I often reach for store-bought when I’m short on time (which is like, always). The good news is that there are some excellent prepared pestos available that make pesto chicken a totally achievable weeknight meal.

When shopping for store-bought pesto, look for:

• Refrigerated options when possible (they typically taste fresher)
• Bright green color (indicates freshness)
• Simple, recognizable ingredients
• Brands like Gotham Greens, Buitoni, Rao’s, or Alessi

If you do have a few extra minutes and some fresh basil on hand, homemade pesto is definitely worth the effort! The flavor is unbeatable, and you can customize it to your preferences.

Common Questions About Pesto Chicken

Can I use store-bought pesto for pesto chicken?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, store-bought pesto is a convenient and perfectly acceptable option. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand with fresh-tasting ingredients.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

It really depends on your preference and cooking method. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking, while thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy during baking. For a more rustic approach, bone-in pieces work well too.

How long should I marinate chicken in pesto?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. For deeper flavor, you can marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The olive oil and acidity in the pesto help tenderize the chicken too!

Can I freeze pesto chicken?

Yes! Cooked pesto chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in a freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the pesto from burning when baking chicken?

To prevent burning, add the pesto to the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken covered in foil and then remove the foil and add the pesto during the final minutes.

What wine pairs well with pesto chicken?

Pesto chicken pairs beautifully with light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Vermentino. The acidity of these wines complements the richness of the pesto sauce.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered basic pesto chicken, you might want to experiment with these tasty variations:

Different Proteins

Try the same preparation with shrimp or salmon for a delicious seafood twist.

Add Some Heat

Incorporate red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.

Change Up Your Pesto

Experiment with different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or kale pesto.

Add Extra Ingredients

Enhance your pesto chicken with additions like:

• Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
• Artichoke hearts
• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh mozzarella
• Olives

My Final Thoughts on Pesto Chicken

Pesto chicken has earned its place as one of my all-time favorite dishes because it’s that rare combination of being both impressive and easy to prepare. The vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan transform humble chicken into something truly special.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a dinner party, pesto chicken is a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s hard to mess up. It’s also endlessly customizable – once you understand the basic concept, you can adapt it to suit your tastes and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

So next time you’re staring at some chicken breasts wondering what to do with them, remember that a jar of pesto (or a quick homemade batch) can turn them into a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. Trust me, your taste buds – and your dinner guests – will thank you!