Roasted Pesto Chicken Recipe ๐
Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we bring you delightful culinary creations! Today, we’re thrilled to share with you our mouthwatering Roasted Pesto Chicken recipe. This savory dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating this delectable dish!
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Roasted Pesto Chicken
- Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Very Low Carbs, High Protein, Spring, Winter, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken pieces
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup walnuts
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 761.9
- Fat: 58.6g
- Saturated Fat: 14.1g
- Cholesterol: 212.5mg
- Sodium: 289.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.7g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 54.6g
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Pre-heat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). This ensures that your oven is perfectly heated and ready for the cooking process. -
Prepare the Pesto Paste:
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, canola oil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and walnuts. Pulse the ingredients until they form a smooth paste-like consistency. This vibrant green pesto will be the heart and soul of our roasted chicken! -
Season the Chicken:
Gently lift the skin of each chicken piece and generously rub the pesto paste underneath. Ensure that the paste reaches every nook and cranny for maximum flavor infusion. Also, rub the remaining paste into the cavity of the chicken. -
Set Up the Roasting Pan:
Place a rack inside your roasting pan to elevate the chicken pieces. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. -
Initial Roasting:
Arrange the pesto-coated chicken pieces on the rack in the roasting pan. Roast them in the preheated oven at 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) for 7 minutes. This initial high heat will help seal in the flavors and create a beautiful golden crust. -
Reduce the Oven Temperature:
After 7 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). This lower temperature ensures gentle and even cooking, allowing the chicken to become tender and succulent. -
Add Moisture:
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates steam, which helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out during the extended roasting time. -
Extended Roasting:
Continue roasting the chicken at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is lightly browned and tender. The slow roasting process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and juicy chicken. -
Serve Warm:
Once the chicken is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into portions and serve warm alongside your favorite sides or salads.
Conclusion:
Voila! Your Roasted Pesto Chicken is ready to impress your taste buds and delight your senses. With its aromatic basil pesto and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the culinary journey, and happy cooking!