Low Fat Pesto Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Low Fat Pesto Chicken recipe, a lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite. Juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy, homemade pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a secret ingredient—low-fat Greek yogurt—for indulgent flavor with fewer calories. This easy recipe, ready in just 40 minutes, features fragrant pine nuts, zesty lemon, and a touch of olive oil, creating a perfectly balanced and nutrient-packed dish. Serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad for a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress. Ideal for health-conscious food lovers, this recipe keeps things light without sacrificing the rich, herbaceous goodness of traditional pesto. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this low-fat pesto chicken is both satisfying and guilt-free!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4

Add the low-fat Greek yogurt to the food processor and pulse again until well combined and creamy.

Step 5

Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 6

Spread half of the pesto mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

Place the chicken breasts on top of the pesto layer.

Step 8

Spread the remaining pesto sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C).

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 13

Serve the pesto chicken with your favorite side dish, such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(901.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1837.3

Total Fat 82.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 646.6mg	0%
Sodium 2622.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 246.9g	0%

Vitamin D 52.8IU	0%
Calcium 827.0mg	0%
Iron 8.2mg	0%
Potassium 2156.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.3%

Protein: 55.1%

Carbs: 3.6%