Pesto Chicken Parmesan

Pesto Chicken Parmesan: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that elevates a classic recipe? This Pesto Chicken Parmesan combines the comforting, crispy goodness of chicken parmesan with the fresh, aromatic taste of pesto. Topped with melted mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Pair it with pasta or a light salad, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal in just 22 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (see notes)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, creating two thin pieces of chicken from each breast.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • Press each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Let it melt and heat up.
   • Once the skillet is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
3. Add Toppings:
   • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Spread pesto sauce evenly on top of each chicken breast.
   • Place a slice of mozzarella cheese over the pesto, and sprinkle with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
   • Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
   • Once the cheese has melted, remove the chicken from the skillet.
   • Serve your Pesto Chicken Parmesan with cooked pasta, a fresh salad, or any favorite side dish.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for an additional 5 minutes after pan-frying.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch to the dish, but feel free to use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Calories: 470 kcal per serving

This Pesto Chicken Parmesan is a quick and delicious dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. The crispy, cheesy chicken combined with the herbaceous pesto and sweet sun-dried tomatoes makes for a balanced, flavorful dish. Serve it alongside pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

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