Description
Juicy chicken cooked in a fragrant basil pesto sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and garlic. This easy one-pan dinner combines searing on the stovetop and baking in the oven, creating a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 700 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry and season them evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, creating a flavorful crust and sealing in the juices.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Incorporate the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes into the skillet with the chicken, cooking for about 2 minutes to soften the tomatoes and release the garlic aroma.
- Spread Pesto and Parmesan: Generously spread basil pesto over each chicken piece, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich and savory layer.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cherry tomatoes begin to soften and burst.
- Finish with Lemon and Basil: Remove the skillet from the oven, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs helps retain juiciness and tend to be more forgiving during cooking.
- Adding spinach or zucchini can boost the vegetable content and add more texture.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
