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Easy Pesto Chicken

This Easy Pesto Chicken combines juicy chicken thighs with a vibrant basil pesto sauce, creating a flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken thighs Juicy and flavorful, skin-on for extra crispiness preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Basil pesto Store-bought or homemade.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For searing and drizzling over veggies.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced for seasoning.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Seasonal veggies can be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread a generous layer of pesto over the top of each chicken thigh.
  5. Place the coated chicken in a baking dish and scatter cherry tomatoes around them. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the tomatoes.
Cooking
  1. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
  2. Optionally, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
  3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cooked chicken can be frozen in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.