Looking for a simple, flavorful dish that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle? Look no further than this Keto Pesto Chicken. It’s juicy, tender chicken smothered in a vibrant, herby pesto sauce that’s bursting with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s everything you love about Italian flavors, minus the carbs. Whether you’re following keto or just craving a delicious, satisfying meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Ready to indulge? Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re prepping a quick dinner for yourself, feeding the family, or cooking for friends, this Keto Pesto Chicken is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs and full of healthy fats, this dish fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle. No need to sacrifice flavor to stay on track.
Quick and Easy: You can get this dish on the table in no time. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Packed with Flavor: The pesto sauce is the star here—fresh, garlicky, and rich with the nutty flavor of Parmesan. It brings out the best in the chicken, creating a dish that’s comforting yet light.
Customizable: You can tweak the pesto to fit your taste—add more garlic for extra punch or throw in some spinach for a different flavor profile.
Satisfying: The combination of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pesto keeps you full and satisfied, without feeling sluggish.
Ingredients
Let’s keep it simple—this recipe uses a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to love:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect base for this dish. They cook quickly and soak up all the pesto goodness.
Pesto Sauce: You can make your own from scratch (which I highly recommend), or grab a jar from the store. Either way, pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan is what makes this dish sing.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the chicken stay juicy and enhances the flavor of the pesto.
Parmesan: A little extra Parmesan goes a long way in giving this dish its rich, cheesy undertones.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering Keto Pesto Chicken:
Cook the Chicken: Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Pesto: If you’re making the pesto from scratch, blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts (or walnuts) in a food processor until smooth. You can also add a little lemon juice for brightness if you like.
Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, spoon the pesto sauce over each chicken breast, coating it generously. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes in the pan so the pesto flavors really sink into the chicken.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken to a plate, sprinkle with some extra Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal!
How to Serve Keto Pesto Chicken
Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower. These vegetables are low in carbs and complement the rich, herby flavors of the pesto chicken perfectly.
Salad: A simple green salad with avocado and a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing side to balance out the richness of the chicken.
Cauliflower Rice: If you’re craving something a little more filling, cauliflower rice makes an excellent low-carb side that soaks up the pesto sauce.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, the chicken is so flavorful that it’s perfect on its own. Just top with some extra cheese or herbs, and you’re good to go!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep the Pesto Ahead: You can make the pesto a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves you time on busy nights when you just want to throw everything together quickly.
Adjust the Pesto: Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients. Add a bit of lemon zest or extra garlic for a bolder flavor. You could also swap the nuts if you’re not a fan of pine nuts.
Make it Creamy: For an even richer dish, you can mix a bit of heavy cream into the pesto before serving. It’ll give you a creamy, dreamy sauce that coats the chicken.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Double the batch and enjoy keto-friendly meals all week long!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here—they’re a little juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly.
Q2: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time, but making your own from scratch adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that really makes the dish pop.
Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A3: Yes, you can swap out the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative, or leave it out entirely. You’ll still have a delicious pesto flavor!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the chicken with pesto for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to the pesto sauce?
A6: Definitely! You can blend in spinach, kale, or even roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.
Q7: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
A7: Yes! Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the pesto. Just make sure to cook it through.
Q8: How spicy is the pesto?
A8: The pesto itself is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick if you like.
Q9: Can I use another type of nut in the pesto?
A9: Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or pecans are great alternatives to pine nuts in the pesto sauce.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Of course! This recipe is easy to scale up, so feel free to make extra and enjoy leftovers later.
Conclusion
There you have it—Keto Pesto Chicken! Simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat when you’re craving something deliciously comforting without the carbs. So, grab your chicken, make that pesto, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as vibrant as it is tasty! Happy cooking!
Print
Keto Pesto Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Keto Pesto Chicken is a low-carb, flavorful dish made with juicy chicken breasts coated in rich, homemade pesto sauce. It’s a perfect option for a healthy dinner recipe, ideal for those following a keto or low-carb diet. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce (preferably sugar-free)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add pesto sauce to the skillet, coating the chicken breasts evenly.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad to keep the meal keto-friendly.
- Use store-bought pesto for a quicker option, but homemade pesto is always best for flavor and freshness.
- You can substitute the pine nuts with other nuts, like almonds or walnuts, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg