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Flavorful Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

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A quick and easy 30-minute recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich, tangy sun-dried tomato pesto. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with bold, fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170 g each)
  • 1 cup packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed preferred (drain excess oil)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil plus extra for cooking
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Pulse until smooth but slightly textured. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through.
  5. Transfer chicken to an oven-safe dish or skillet. Spoon 2 tablespoons of pesto over each breast evenly.
  6. Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with leftover pesto.

Notes

If chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them for even cooking. Pulse pesto ingredients rather than blending continuously to maintain texture. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Adjust seasoning of pesto to taste, adding lemon juice before serving for brightness. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast, sun-dried tomato pesto, quick dinner, easy recipe, Italian, weeknight meal, healthy chicken, pesto chicken

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-chicken-breast-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-easy-30-minute-recipe/