The Zesty Pesto Twist: Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Savory and comforting, this mouthwatering pesto chicken parmesan recipe blends classic Italian flavors with a modern twist.

Tender chicken breasts get coated in a vibrant, herbaceous pesto that adds depth and richness to every bite.

Melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese create a golden, crispy exterior that seals in the juicy chicken.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of crisp breading, aromatic basil, and melted cheese that makes dinner feel like a special occasion.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can enjoy restaurant-quality goodness right from your own kitchen.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform your dinner into a delectable Italian-inspired feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Pesto Chicken Parmesan Ingredient List

• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy texture and golden exterior for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the coating and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Introduces a subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the breading.
• Dried Basil: Brings herbaceous notes that complement the pesto's fresh taste.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all other ingredients.

• Olive Oil and Butter: Creates perfect golden-brown crust and adds rich, luxurious flavor to the chicken.

• Pesto Sauce: Delivers vibrant, herbal Mediterranean-inspired flavor with basil and garlic undertones.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, stretchy melted layer that adds indulgent texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces concentrated, tangy sweetness and bright color contrast.

• Pasta: Classic side that perfectly absorbs the delicious pesto and cheese.
• Fresh Salad: Light and crisp complement to the rich chicken dish.

Tools You’ll Need for Pesto Chicken Parmesan

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and creating golden-brown crust.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing breadcrumb coating ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Needed to butterfly chicken breasts horizontally.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for slicing chicken.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping chicken and transferring to serving plates.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Make Savory Pesto Chicken Parmesan

Culinary Adventure

• Chicken Transformation

Slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating delicate, thin pieces that will become flavor-packed masterpieces ready for delicious transformation.

• Flavor Coating

Create a beautiful herb-infused layer by gently pressing chicken into a savory blend of crunchy breadcrumbs and aromatic seasonings that will elevate the entire dish.

• Golden Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a perfect marriage of olive oil and butter, then carefully place chicken pieces to develop a gorgeous golden exterior while ensuring tender, juicy inner meat.

• Pesto Magic

Drape each chicken piece with vibrant green pesto, creating a luscious landscape of herbaceous wonder that will dance across taste buds.

• Cheese Blanket

Crown each piece with melty mozzarella and sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the skillet’s gentle heat to transform these ingredients into a mouthwatering symphony.

• Elegant Presentation

Transfer these flavor-packed beauties onto waiting plates, accompanied by your favorite sides, ready to transport diners to a Mediterranean-inspired culinary paradise.

Tips for Crisp Coating and Creamy Pesto Sauce

• Replace mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a personalized cheesy twist that elevates the dish's richness.
• Make homemade pesto using fresh basil from your garden or try alternative pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato, spinach, or arugula for unexpected flavor combinations.
• Substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets, thin pork chops, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or eggplant to accommodate dietary preferences and keep the meal exciting.
• Prepare the chicken coating and slice ingredients in advance, allowing for faster cooking during busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions for Pesto Chicken Parmesan

• Pasta Paradise: Serve atop al dente linguine or fettuccine for a classic Italian-inspired meal that captures the essence of comfort food.
• Mediterranean Plate: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to create a colorful and nutritious plate that highlights the chicken's vibrant flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Complement the rich chicken with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding a bright and tangy contrast to the dish's creamy pesto and melted cheese.
• Rustic Bread Delight: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious pesto and cheese sauce, turning this main course into a complete and satisfying dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat Pesto Chicken Parmesan

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up multiple chicken breasts during your weekend meal prep to enjoy quick lunches and dinners throughout the week. Store extra cooked chicken in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Freshly prepared Pesto Chicken Parmesan stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. These meals remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy edges and prevent dryness. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the breading's original crunch and texture intact.

Rustic Pesto Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade pesto chicken parmesan elevates classic Italian comfort cuisine with a zesty herb twist. Crispy breaded chicken nestles under melted mozzarella, promising rich flavors you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (59 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¾ cup (180 ml) breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) pesto sauce
• ¼ cup (59 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Coating Creation: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish for a robust seasoning blend.
3. Breading Process: Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place breaded chicken to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp exterior.
5. Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat, spread pesto across chicken pieces, top with mozzarella cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, then cover skillet to allow cheese to melt completely and create a luxurious topping.
6. Temperature Check: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and succulent results.
7. Serving: Transfer chicken to plates, accompanied by preferred side dishes, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or an additional pesto drizzle for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Butterfly with Precision: Slice chicken breasts carefully and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Coating Technique Matters: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly and completely onto chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture.
• Temperature is Critical: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and juicy, tender meat.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Cover skillet when adding mozzarella to create a steamy environment that helps cheese melt smoothly and evenly without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg