Spicy Pesto Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with this irresistible Spicy Pesto Chicken recipe, a flavorful fusion of bold heat and creamy herbaceous goodness. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts—seared for a golden crust and baked to juicy perfection—are coated in a rich basil pesto infused with red chili flakes, garlic, and a splash of bright lemon juice. Topped with a layer of melted Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish combines gourmet flair with incredible ease. Ready in just 40 minutes, Spicy Pesto Chicken is a versatile centerpiece for any meal, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe is perfect for spice lovers seeking a quick yet crowd-pleasing dinner idea!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 0.5 cup Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Stir in the basil pesto and lemon juice, mixing well.

Step 7

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the pesto sauce over each piece.

Step 8

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of side, such as pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(902.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1967.4

Total Fat 105.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 621.2mg	0%
Sodium 3914.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g	0%
Total Sugars 2.5g
Protein 232.6g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 528.6mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 2045.0mg	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: 49.1%

Protein: 48.1%

Carbs: 2.8%