This Low Carb Chicken Pesto recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a vibrant, homemade basil pesto. Perfect for those on a low carb diet, this recipe brings together the richness of pesto with the satisfying protein of chicken, making it an ideal meal for lunch or dinner. Not only is it delicious, but it also showcases fresh ingredients that are easily accessible, ensuring that you can whip it up anytime.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this low carb chicken pesto recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The fresh and aromatic basil pesto elevates the chicken, making each bite a burst of herby goodness. Plus, it’s quick to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights! With minimal carbs and a high protein content, this recipe fits seamlessly into various dietary lifestyles, including keto and paleo, making it a versatile choice for health-conscious eaters.
Tips and Tricks
To enhance your cooking experience, consider these tips and tricks:
- Use fresh basil for the pesto; it makes a world of difference in flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pesto, but homemade is always better!
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or longer) to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the chicken on medium heat to avoid burning the pesto while achieving a perfectly cooked interior.
Make Ahead Tips
If you’re meal prepping, you can make the pesto in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also marinate the chicken a day prior to cooking, which not only saves time but also intensifies the flavors. Just make sure to cook the chicken within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to personalize this dish! You can swap out the chicken for turkey or even shrimp for a different protein. If you want to add more veggies, consider tossing in some cherry tomatoes, zucchini noodles, or sautéed spinach. To change up the flavor profile, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or nuts to the pesto for an extra layer of taste.
How to Serve
For the best presentation, serve the chicken on a white plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the pesto. You can drizzle some extra pesto on top for a pop of color and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your low carb chicken pesto, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing cocktail like a vodka soda with lime. For side dishes, roasted asparagus or a light cucumber salad will balance the richness of the chicken beautifully. If you’re in the mood for dessert, a light berry salad would be a perfect finish!
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken pesto for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in a skillet or microwave.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a good quality skillet or frying pan for cooking the chicken. A food processor is essential for making the pesto, but if you don’t have one, a blender will work as well. A meat thermometer is also a handy tool to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. For a dairy-free option, you can simply omit the cheese or use a nut-based alternative. If nut allergies are a concern, avoid nuts in the pesto and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, use fresh garden tomatoes to complement your dish, while winter can call for more robust ingredients like roasted red peppers in your pesto. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall, as a side to enhance the meal.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
- How can I adjust the cooking time? Thicker chicken breasts will take longer to cook, so adjust accordingly, and always check with a meat thermometer.
- What if I don’t have basil? You can substitute with spinach or arugula for a different flavor, but the pesto will be less traditional.
Low Carb Chicken Pesto
This Low Carb Chicken Pesto recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a vibrant, homemade basil pesto.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour half of the pesto over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and top with the remaining pesto. Garnish with cherry tomatoes if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 612Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 35gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 464mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 44g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This low carb chicken pesto recipe is not only a delicious meal but also an easy one to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations that suit your taste. Happy cooking!
