Chicken with skinny basil pesto is a delicious and healthy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful and lower-fat pesto sauce. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Skinny Basil Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or substitute with almonds or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
For the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover them with foil to keep warm while you prepare the pesto.
For the Skinny Basil Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, fresh lemon juice, water, and olive oil.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined and form a smooth paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the lemon juice or other ingredients if needed.
To Serve:
- Spoon the skinny basil pesto over the cooked chicken breasts.
- You can garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve your chicken with skinny basil pesto alongside your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful chicken with skinny basil pesto for a satisfying and guilt-free meal!
