Pesto Chicken

Easy and Tender Pesto Chicken

February 27, 2026

This easy Pesto Chicken is tender, flavorful, and made with homemade pesto and juicy chicken. Grill it or bake it for a light, restaurant-style dinner that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or fresh salad. Ready in 15 minutes!

If you love fresh, vibrant flavors, this Pesto Chicken is going to be a new favorite. It’s made with a homemade basil pesto that’s garlicky, herby, and full of fresh flavor, but here’s the secret: it’s made with less oil than the store-bought kind, so it’s lighter and healthier without losing that rich, classic taste. Paired with juicy chicken and sweet cherry tomatoes, it’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together easily on a busy weeknight.

I make this one all the time because it’s just so simple and versatile. It’s perfect on the grill in summer, baked in the oven in winter, and the leftovers always disappear fast. Toss it with pasta, tuck it into sandwiches, or serve it over rice or greens!

Easy and Tender Pesto Chicken

Recipe by: Kristen McCaffrey of Slender Kitchen
Prep Time: 2 hours; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; 15 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil, packed
  • 3 tbsp. water
  • 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese (leave out for Whole30/Paleo)
  • 2 tbsp. almonds
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper
  • 1.33 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (optional)

Directions

  1. Add the first nine ingredients (basil, water, Parmesan, almonds, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper) to a food processor. Pulse until combined to make a home made skinny pesto.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner, chicken cutlet style pieces. These will cook more evenly. Marinate the chicken in the pesto mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade letting the excess drip off. If using cherry tomatoes, spray them with cooking spray or toss in a touch of olive oil.
  3. To grill: Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through. Cook the tomatoes on a piece of foil (or in a grill basket), shaking them after five minutes. They will take 8-10 minutes to cook. To bake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Add the chicken and tomatoes. Bake for 12-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Nutritional Info (6 oz.)

Calories 253; Carbohydrates 7 grams; Fat 8 grams; Protein 35 grams

Kristen McCaffrey makes a variety of healthy and delicious recipes that she shares on her website, SlenderKitchen.com.

Pesto Chicken
Kristen Mccaffrey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen McCaffrey makes a variety of healthy and delicious recipes that she shares on her website, SlenderKitchen.com. Before diving into the world of healthy cooking, she struggled to lose weight, eat well, and find a healthy balance in her life. She has always been in love with food and enjoys healthy recipe development. Kristen is passionate about cooking and creating delicious recipes that encourage other people to eat healthy. See more recipes from Kristen!
Recipe Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients used. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or follow a specific nutrition plan, please review the ingredient list before consuming. All information on ObesityHelp.com is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns related to your nutrition.