Quick Pesto Chicken Fillets
Tender chicken breasts coated in flavorful basil pesto, cooked to juicy perfection either on the grill or in the oven. A simple yet delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep5 min
- Cook30 min
- Total35 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
This incredibly easy chicken dish relies on just a few key ingredients to deliver a burst of flavor. The combination of juicy chicken and vibrant basil pesto is a guaranteed hit for a quick weeknight dinner.
Whether you prefer the smoky char of the grill or the convenience of baking, this recipe offers flexibility. It's a fantastic way to elevate boneless chicken breasts into something truly special with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Coat the chicken fillets evenly on all sides with about 2 tablespoons of pesto per fillet, adjusting to your preference. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Grill method: Preheat a barbecue, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Grill the cherry tomatoes until softened and slightly browned, turning once. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate.
- Grill method: Drizzle the cooked chicken with extra pesto and serve alongside the grilled tomatoes.
- Oven baked method: Preheat your oven to 350°F | 350°F. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Oven baked method: Arrange the pesto-coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Oven baked method: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around each chicken fillet.
- Oven baked method: Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
💡 Tips
- For an even richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in pesto for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (should reach 165°F or 175°F).
Inspired by a recipe from Cafe Delites