Heart-Healthy Pesto Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this simple yet flavorful Heart-Healthy Pesto Chicken, a recipe that combines the vibrant freshness of homemade basil pesto with the juiciness of oven-baked chicken breasts. Packed with wholesome ingredients like heart-smart extra virgin olive oil, nutrient-rich walnuts, zesty lemon juice, and antioxidant-filled cherry tomatoes, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. The rich, garlicky pesto coats tender chicken breasts, which are baked to perfection alongside sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes, this low-carb, protein-packed meal is ideal for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on deliciousness. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or whole-grain pasta for a complete, satisfying dinner that's as nourishing as it is irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cups walnuts
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cups cherry tomatoes

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the pesto. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 0.25 cups of walnuts, 2 peeled large garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Step 2

Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are finely chopped.

Step 3

Gradually add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the mixture while the food processor is running, ensuring that it emulsifies and becomes smooth.

Step 4

Add 0.25 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper to the mixture. Pulse a few more times to incorporate these ingredients.

Step 5

Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Set the pesto aside.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Place the 2 chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread half of the pesto mixture evenly over the tops of each chicken breast.

Step 8

Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and arrange them around and on top of the chicken breasts.

Step 9

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 11

Serve the chicken breasts with the roasted cherry tomatoes and the remaining pesto drizzled on top or on the side for added flavor.

Step 12

Optionally, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	654.6 grams (654.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1150

Total Fat 66.60g	85%
Saturated Fat 13.30g	67%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.20g
Cholesterol 306mg	102%
Sodium 1786mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate 17.60g	6%
Dietary Fiber 5.70g	20%
Total Sugars 5.40g
Protein 122.90g	246%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 375mg	29%
Iron 5mg	30%
Potassium 699mg	15%

*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: 51.6%

Protein: 42.3%

Carbs: 6.1%