Pesto Chicken with Velvety Sauce
Try this Pesto Chicken with Velvety Sauce recipe
Try this Pesto Chicken with Velvety Sauce recipe
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- parmesan cheese for garnish
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise. make sure the breasts are uniformly thin. pound thicker parts down with a mallet.
- sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- about 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging and thickening the sauce
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped (reserve a few leaves for garnishing)
- 2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes halved
- Carbohydrate 4.55373937916501 g
- Cholesterol 117.835000003043 mg
- Fat 37.0885500354827 g
- Fiber 0.0924250014704955 g
- Protein 30.625443752718 g
- Saturated Fat 14.0482570050549 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (283g)
- Sodium 251.21156264598 mg
- Sugar 4.46131437769451 g
- Trans Fat 2.1630550010178 g
- Calories 477 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge in flour, shake off excess and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or a saute pan over high heat.
- When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the chicken breast and saute for 2-3 minutes per side, until the chicken is nicely browned and juices run clear.
- Take the pan off the heat, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Turn the heat down to medium. Return the pan to heat.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter starts to sizzle, add two tablespoons of flour left over from dredging chicken and keep stirring until the flour is well incorporated and looks golden brown.
- Pour the chicken stock and lemon juice into the pan.
- Return the pan to the heat and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Add the pesto and stir.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
- Add the sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped basil, and continue sauteing over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until the tomatoes soften up a little.
- Put the chicken breasts back into the pan, spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts, and simmer over low heat for about 2 minutes to bring the chicken back to temperature.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with pasta, rice or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
Pesto Chicken with Velvety Sauce: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Pesto Chicken with Velvety Sauce recipe is a game-changer. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor – the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant pesto sauce, creamy and rich, complements the tender chicken perfectly, creating a dish that’s as elegant as it is effortless.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating a meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of savory chicken, tangy lemon, and aromatic basil is a winning combination, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters. I often serve this with a side of simple pasta or steamed vegetables – anything goes, really! The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can adapt it to your own preferences and what you have on hand.
Beyond the Recipe: This dish is also a fantastic way to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients. Heirloom cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness, while the fresh basil provides a fragrant lift. Using good quality pesto is key – the better the pesto, the better the sauce. I often make my own pesto, but store-bought works just as well. The key is to find a pesto that you genuinely enjoy.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be prepped ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken in the morning or even the night before, making the cooking process even faster when you're short on time. And cleanup is a breeze – most of the cooking happens in one pan, minimizing dishwashing! This recipe is truly a win-win, offering a delicious and healthy meal without sacrificing convenience.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The taste of this dish relies on fresh, flavorful ingredients.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
- Get creative with your sides: Serve this dish with your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables.
I often find myself making this recipe two or three times a month. It's become a staple in our dinner rotation. The combination of flavor and ease of preparation makes it a true lifesaver on those busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Beyond the Weeknight: This Pesto Chicken with Velvety Sauce isn't just limited to a weeknight meal. It’s also a fantastic option for a casual weekend lunch or even a light dinner party. Its elegance and ease make it perfect for impressing guests without the stress of a complicated recipe.
The vibrant green sauce and juicy chicken present beautifully on the plate, making it a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing. It's a recipe I'm proud to share, knowing that it’s a meal everyone can enjoy, regardless of their culinary skills. So, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I'm confident it will become a new favorite in your kitchen too.
