Golden Crusted Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Elixir 🌟

Absolutely! Let’s delve into the delightful world of making Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto! 🍗🌿

Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Recipe Information:

• Name: Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Category: Chicken Breast
• Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, European, Very Low Carbs, High Protein, High In… < 60 Mins

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 354.3
• Fat: 23.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.5g
• Cholesterol: 95.5mg
• Sodium: 176mg
• Carbohydrates: 3.7g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 32.2g

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). This high heat will ensure a beautifully crispy exterior on your chicken.

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2. Prepare your baking pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil for easy cleanup later. Arrange your boneless chicken breasts in the pan, making sure they’re not too crowded.

3. Create the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (drained from the oil), fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic cloves, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil (you’ll use the rest later). 🍅🌿

4. Blend until smooth: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until you have a smooth, vibrant pesto mixture. You should smell the rich aroma of the sun-dried tomatoes and basil filling your kitchen! 😋

5. Spread the pesto over the chicken: Pour about half of the prepared pesto mixture (approximately 1/4 cup) over the chicken breasts in the pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

6. Bake to perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The high heat will help seal in the flavors and juices, creating a tender, succulent chicken.

7. Time for the broiler: Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to give it that irresistible golden-brown crust. Switch your oven setting to broil and move the rack about 6 inches from the heat source.

8. Final touch of pesto: Spread the remaining sun-dried tomato pesto over the cooked chicken breasts. This extra layer of flavor will intensify as it crisps under the broiler. 😍

9. Broil until golden: Return the pan to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the pesto is bubbling and lightly browned on top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning—this final step adds that perfect finishing touch!

10. Serve and enjoy! Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. 🌟

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breasts. It should register 165°F (74°C).

• Customize your pesto: Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

• Meal prep friendly: This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Cook up a batch and enjoy it throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

• Pairing suggestions: Serve your Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, or with a side of fluffy couscous and steamed asparagus spears. 🥗🍋

• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

This Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory Parmesan cheese with tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a dish that looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort! 💫

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this flavorful chicken dish. Bon appétit! 🍽✨