Crispy Pesto Chicken is a delicious recipe that will delight the palate of young and old alike.  Just be sure to use gluten free bread crumbs and you will be all set!

Pesto sauce and Italian seasonings make sure there is a flavour explosion in each bite.

This recipe yields 4 tasty servings.

Serve it up with your favourite gluten free sides.

 

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this recipe I mixed up some spices in a small bowl.  I made my own Italian spice blend by combining oregano, parsley, basil, rosemary and thyme.

Then I put some pesto sauce into a pie plate.  

Next I dumped some gluten free bread crumbs into a pie plate.

I stirred the Italian spice mixture into the bread crumbs until the spices were well incorporated.

Then I coated each chicken breast with the pesto sauce.

Once coated I dredged each chicken breast in the seasoned bread crumbs.

I coated a small baking tray with some cooking spray.

Then I arranged the coated chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.

I placed the baking tray into a preheated 350F oven for 35 minutes.

While the chicken breasts were cooking I shredded some mozzarella cheese.

After 35 minutes I removed the chicken breasts from the oven and sprinkled the shredded cheese on top.  I returned the chicken breasts to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese was melted and bubbling.

Once the cheese was bubbling I removed the chicken breasts from the oven and let them sit for a couple minutes while I plated our choice of sides.

This easy to serve, healthy dinner recipe is a great option for weeknights but fancy enough to serve for Sunday dinner!

Crispy Pesto Chicken is a flavourful dish that is pleasing to the eye as well as the palate!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

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PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Crispy Pesto Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup prepared pesto sauce
• 3/4 cup gluten free bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp parsley
• 1/4 tsp basil
• 1/8 tsp rosemary
• 1/8 tsp thyme
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

How to Make Crispy Pesto Chicken:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Pour the prepared pesto sauce into a pie plate.
3. Dump the bread crumbs into a pie plate.
4. Stir the seasonings into the bread crumbs until well incorporated.
5. Coat the chicken breasts in the pesto sauce.
6. Dredge the chicken breasts in the bread crumbs to coat.
7. Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Place baking sheet in the oven for 35 minutes at 3500F.
9. Shred the mozzarella cheese.
10. Remove chicken from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
11. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
12. Serve with your favourite side dishes.
13. Enjoy!

FAQS:

What substitutions can I make in crispy pesto chicken?

Crispy pesto chicken is a versatile dish that allows for several substitutions to accommodate different tastes, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. Here are some substitution ideas for various components of the recipe:

Chicken

• Turkey: Use turkey breast cutlets instead of chicken breasts.
• Pork: Thin pork chops can be a good alternative.
• Fish: White fish like cod or haddock can replace chicken for a pescatarian option.
• Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or tempeh slices.

Pesto

• Different Greens: Instead of basil, use spinach, kale, arugula, or a combination of greens.
• Nuts: Swap pine nuts for walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
• Cheese: Use a different hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if you don’t have Parmesan.
• Nut-Free: For a nut-free pesto, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

• Panko: Japanese panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness.
• Almond Flour: For a low-carb option, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Additional Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Add sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto for extra flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the pesto for a fresh, tangy flavor.
• Garlic: Add more or less garlic to suit your taste preference.

Cooking Method

• Air Fryer: Instead of baking, cook the chicken in an air fryer for a quicker, crispier result.
• Pan-Fry: Sauté the chicken in a skillet with some olive oil if you prefer a stovetop method.

Serving Suggestions

• Gluten Free Pasta: Serve the pesto chicken over pasta for a more substantial meal.
• Zoodles: For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles.
• Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

By using these substitutions, you can customize crispy pesto chicken to fit your dietary needs, available ingredients, or personal preferences.

What should I serve with crispy pesto chicken?

Crispy pesto chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that can complement its flavors and textures. Here are some great options:

Vegetables

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
3. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds and a bit of garlic.

Salads

1. Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
2. Arugula Salad: Arugula with shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
3. Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese with a light vinaigrette.

Gluten Free Grains and Pasta

1. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
2. Pasta Primavera: Pasta with a variety of sautéed vegetables in a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
3. Risotto: A creamy Parmesan risotto or a lemon herb risotto.

Potatoes

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic.
2. Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and garlic.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries seasoned with a bit of salt and paprika.

Gluten Free Bread

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread brushed with butter and herbs.
2. Focaccia: Soft and flavorful focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt.

Wine Pairing

For a beverage pairing, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir, which can complement the pesto and chicken flavors without overpowering them.

These sides will enhance the crispy pesto chicken and provide a balanced and satisfying meal.

How do I store cripsy pesto chicken?

Storing crispy pesto chicken properly ensures it remains delicious and safe to eat later. Here are the steps to store it effectively:

Refrigerating Crispy Pesto Chicken

1. Cool Completely: Allow the chicken to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
2. Wrap or Containerize: Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain its crispiness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.
3. Label and Date: If you plan to store it for more than a couple of days, label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
4. Refrigerate: Store the wrapped or containerized chicken in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.

Freezing Crispy Pesto Chicken

1. Cool Completely: As with refrigeration, let the chicken cool completely at room temperature.
2. Initial Freeze (Optional but Recommended): For best results, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Wrap and Seal: After the initial freeze, wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place the wrapped pieces in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and Date: Write the date on the freezer bag to keep track of how long it has been stored.
5. Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crispy Pesto Chicken

1. Thaw if Frozen: If the chicken is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can use the defrost function on your microwave, but this may affect the texture slightly.
2. Oven Reheat for Crispiness: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow air circulation. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is crispy.
3. Avoid Microwave: Reheating in the microwave is not recommended as it can make the chicken soggy. If you must use a microwave, use a microwave-safe plate and cover the chicken with a microwave-safe cover, reheating in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you can ensure your crispy pesto chicken stays delicious whether you are storing it for a few days or a couple of months.