Walnut Pesto Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Walnut Pesto Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan, a recipe that combines nutty, herbaceous flavors with tender, golden-seared chicken. A homemade walnut pesto made with toasted walnuts, fresh basil, pungent garlic, and grated Parmesan creates a rich, savory topping that’s baked to perfection, infusing every bite with creamy, zesty goodness. This oven-baked dish is as easy as it is flavorful, with minimal prep and just 30 minutes of cook time. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and garnished with fresh basil, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enliven your dinner table!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken breasts
• 1 cup Walnuts
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Place the walnuts, basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth to create the walnut pesto. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the remaining 2 garlic cloves (whole) and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from heat, discard the whole garlic cloves, and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of walnut pesto over each chicken breast.

Step 6

Sprinkle the tops with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1070.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3285.8

Total Fat 250.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 57.3g
Cholesterol 677.8mg	0%
Sodium 3699.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.1g	0%
Total Sugars 3.7g
Protein 250.3g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 704.6mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 741.6mg	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: 67.3%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 2.8%