Air Fryer Pesto Chicken
If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and mouthwatering meal, you've come to the right place. Air fryer pesto chicken is a dish that combines the succulent flavors of chicken with the vibrant, fresh taste of pesto.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts I used boneless boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pesto Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pinenuts
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- salt & pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- First, let's make our fresh pesto sauce. If you prefer convenience, store-bought pesto works just as well.Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped.Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Season the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.Coat with Pesto: Generously coat each chicken breast with your fresh pesto sauce. Ensure the chicken is well-covered for maximum flavor. Once your chicken is coated in pesto sauce, cover it and let it marinate in the refrigerator to absorb the pesto flavors for at least 30 minutes. Best if overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (198°C).Arrange the Chicken: Place the pesto-coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.Cook: Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.Pro Tip: For added flavor, toss in some cherry tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step helps retain its juices, making it more tender.Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle some fresh mozzarella on top and let it melt slightly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.Side Dishes: Serve your pesto chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some potato wedges for a complete meal.Lemon Wedges: Don’t forget the lemon wedges! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the entire dish.
Notes
Tips:
- Use Fresh Pesto: The fresher the ingredients, the better the pesto. Fresh basil leaves and quality Parmesan will make a significant difference.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the pesto sauce for a few hours or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Parchment paper: Yes, you can use it in an air fryer! Not only does it make flipping your chicken a breeze, but it also makes cleaning up a cinch, so you can get back to enjoying your meal in no time. However, be sure to take caution and keep in mind that you should never preheat your air fryer with parchment paper in it.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection without being dry.
- Pesto Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts for your pesto, such as walnuts or almonds, and add other herbs like parsley or cilantro. Skip the nuts for a nut-free pesto sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 53gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1067mgPotassium: 944mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 569IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
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