Description
Keto pesto chicken delivers a Mediterranean-inspired protein packed with herbal flavors and low-carb goodness. Succulent chicken breasts smothered in rich basil pesto create a quick, elegant dinner perfect for health-conscious meal planners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce (preferably sugar-free)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Bring the oven temperature to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
- Apply a generous seasoning of salt and pepper across both surfaces of the chicken breasts, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Warm olive oil in a robust, oven-compatible skillet over medium-high temperature until it shimmers with heat.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce cooking temperature to medium and generously coat chicken with vibrant pesto sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Enhance the flavor profile by delicately drizzling fresh lemon juice over the pesto-covered chicken.
- Seamlessly transfer the entire skillet into the preheated oven, continuing the cooking process.
- Allow chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165°F, guaranteeing thorough cooking.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest momentarily to redistribute internal juices.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fragrant fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts, adding textural contrast and visual appeal.
Notes
- Opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts to enhance the overall flavor and nutritional profile of the dish.
- Homemade pesto works best, but store-bought low-carb versions can be a quick alternative for busy days.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking and prevent dry chicken, which can ruin the tender texture.
- Toast pine nuts quickly in a dry skillet to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the final presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg