Spinach Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipes

CHEESY PESTO SPINACH STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Using a sharp knife, start to cut the chicken breast from the thicker side to almost the end of the other side, to make a pocket.
• Rub oil, salt and pepper to the outside of the chicken breasts.
• Place half tablespoon of pesto in each chicken pocket and spread it evenly.
• Slice the mozzarella into thick slices and fold them into the pockets.
• Add the tomatoes and spinach to the chicken pockets as well.
• Secure the pockets with some wooden skewers to avoid the filling from oozing out.
• Grease a baking dish and place the chicken in it.
• Bake it in a preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes.
• Cover the chicken and let it rest for 5 mins.
• Top the chicken with garlic butter or herb butter (optional) and enjoy!

PESTO CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place oven rack to the center position. Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Drizzle both sides of the chicken breast with olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Place chicken in an ovenproof baking dish or skillet.
• Bake in preheated oven until the internal temperature of the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 15 to 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto. Place the basil and spinach in a resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to lightly bruise the herbs and greens. Transfer to a food processor or blender.
• Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Toast garlic until the outsides are lightly browned, shaking pan occasionally, about 8 minutes. Peel garlic and add to food processor.
• Place walnuts in the same pan and toast over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to food processor.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the food processor.
• Process pesto by pulsing five times to help break down the greens.
• Turn food processor on low speed, as it's running slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until a smooth pesto with some smaller pieces is formed, about 10 seconds from start to finish.
• Add the parmesan cheese to the pesto and process on low speed for 5 seconds.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Transfer pesto to a small bowl.
• Brush some pesto sauce on each cooked chicken breast. Transfer to a serving platter.
• Top chicken with chopped walnuts, tomatoes, and cheese. Serve extra pesto sauce on the side.

SPINACH PESTO BAKED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Place chicken flat in the bottom of a baking dish and spread 1-2 tbsp pesto on top of each chicken breast.
• Layer spinach on top of the pesto, then place the tomatoes and artichoke hearts on top of the spinach.
• Cover the top with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake on lower middle rack for 30-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165˚F internal temperature.) Serve warm. Enjoy!

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH SPINACH AND PINE NUT PESTO

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan on medium high heat. Lightly oil the grill pan. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
• Combine the spinach, pine nuts, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a processor. Lightly pulse. With the machine running, gradually add 1/3 cup of the oil, blending until the mixture is creamy. Add salt and pulse. Put half of the pesto into ice cube trays and store in the freezer for future use.
• Transfer the rest of the spinach mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in the Parmesan. Season the pesto with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Spread the pesto over each piece of chicken and serve.

PESTO CHICKEN FLORENTINE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through (no longer pink inside), add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside.
• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
• Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce. Mix well, top with cheese and serve.

MEDITERRANEAN PUFF PASTRY CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a small bowl, use a fork to combine crushed garlic and egg yolk. Place chicken breasts in a shallow glass dish and spread both sides with egg mixture. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours, or overnight (recommended).
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
• Place one half of the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured board. Place 1/2 cup spinach in the center of the pastry sheet. Remove one chicken breast from marinade, shaking off any excess, and place on top of spinach. Spread 1 tablespoon pesto over chicken, layer with half the sun-dried tomatoes, sprinkle with half the feta cheese, and top with 1/2 cup spinach. Fold pastry sheet around chicken, using fingers or fork to seal pastry seam. Place chicken seam side down on baking sheet. Repeat steps with the second half of the puff pastry sheet and remaining chicken breast.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by cutting through center of chicken breast; if juices run clear, chicken is cooked.