Garlic Basil Pesto Chicken
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Marinated chicken in a homemade garlic basil pesto is the backbone of this Garlic Basil Pesto Chicken recipe. The pesto is a simple combination of fresh basil, garlic, salt, and oil. An added note of acidity comes from a splash of lemon juice and a subtle kick of spice from crushed red pepper flakes. Serve it along side a pickled carrot salad. Keep reading to see how easy it comes together!
Ingredients for Garlic Basil Pesto Chicken
The shining stars of this recipe are quite obviously the garlic, basil and chicken breast but did you know there are a few more ingredients needed for a well balanced flavor profile?
Salt
This will enhance the chicken flavor by working as a brine during the marinating process. It helps lock in the juices which is important because this recipe calls for the chicken to be grilled on low heat to avoid burning the fresh herbs
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is our acidic component. Adding an acidic ingredient to meat helps tenderize it. This is done on a molecular level where the acid breaks down the protein and connective tissues. Think of it like this - acidity is slowwwwly cooking the chicken on a microscopic level. Anything slow cooked is super juicy!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Ok, this one is totally optional. I'm addicted to spicy and I find a few flakes to kick this recipe up a notch is exactly what my taste buds are looking for. If you don't do spicy, it's OK to leave them out
Oil
The basics of this recipe is that it is a garden fresh pesto, meaning, you'll need oil to bind all the ingredients together. Otherwise, it is just a dry rub! I used Avocado Oil, but you can use any other flavorless oil that you like.
Small Batch Pesto
This recipe makes a small batch of pesto - just enough to marinate 2 chicken breast. It can easily be doubled or tripled to be spread out amongst more servings!
Should I Include Stems in the Garlic Basil Pesto?
Be selective about which stems you allow in this pesto. Newer growth stems will be soft and break easy. They still have all the nutritional benefits the leaves have! I used clippings from an older section of my plant. Older stems will be hard and very stick-like - too tough for a pesto so I left those ones out along with some questionably colored leaves (browning / wilting).
Equipment Needed for Garlic Basil Pesto Chicken
An immersion blender is great for small batch marinades. A food processer is just too big for the tiny handful of ingredients we are using! Before I had an immersion blender, I was kicking it old school with the mortar and pestle (seen in the background). The immersion blender is soooo much easier to keep clean!
Storage Suggestion for Garlic Basil Pesto
This recipe will yield 2-3 tablespoons of pesto. If you make a large batch to keep on hand to enjoy with other recipes, it will last in the fridge for up to a week. You'll notice it's time to toss when the vibrant green leaves dull or even turn brown! Extend it's life by freezing for up to 6 months.
Once the chicken breast is evenly coated on all sides, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors begin to settle into the chicken.
Garlic Basil Pesto Chicken Recipe Card
Don't forget to pin this great recipe on your Pinterest board so you can come back later!
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