Description
A rich and herbal creamy basil pesto chicken dish, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 lemon (for squeezing)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then pound to 3/4-inch thickness.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, then remove from the pan.
- Sauté minced garlic in the same pan for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream, basil pesto, and grated Parmesan.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Pound chicken to uniform thickness for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is not overcooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg