Paleo Pesto Chicken Melt
Transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Paleo Pesto Chicken Melt—an easy, dairy-free recipe that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for clean eating! Tender, oven-baked chicken breasts are brushed with a seasoning-rich olive oil blend, then topped with a vibrant homemade pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast. Creamy slices of ripe avocado and juicy tomato add a luscious, satisfying finish as they’re gently warmed in the oven. Ready in just 40 minutes, this paleo-friendly dish is not only gluten-free and keto-friendly, but it’s also loaded with wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients. Serve it with your favorite side for a balanced, comforting meal that’s both healthy and indulgent!
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Ingredients
- 2 large, boneless & skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup, packed basil leaves
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 large, ripe avocado
- 1 medium, sliced tomato
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with the olive oil mixture.
Step 4
Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6
While the chicken is baking, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, extra-virgin olive oil, and garlic cloves.
Step 7
Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste, if desired.
Step 8
Slice the avocado and set it aside.
Step 9
Once the chicken is baked, remove the skillet from the oven and evenly spread a generous spoonful of pesto over each breast.
Step 10
Top with avocado slices and a couple of tomato slices.
Step 11
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the toppings are warm and slightly softened.
Step 12
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
Step 13
Serve the Paleo Pesto Chicken Melts hot with your choice of sides, such as a simple green salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (903.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2077.7 |
| Total Fat 154.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 22.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 17.9g | |
| Cholesterol 328.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2653.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 42.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.4g | |
| Protein 136.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 123.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1597.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories