How to Make the Perfect Pesto Chicken with Roasted Asparagus
Italian · Easy · 30 min · 2 servings
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts coated in vibrant basil pesto served alongside perfectly roasted asparagus spears. This effortless keto dinner is bursting with herbaceous flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Pesto Chicken with Roasted Asparagus recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp prepared basil pesto
- 300 g fresh asparagus trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 30 g shaved parmesan cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet and spread in a single layer.
Step 2: Roast the Asparagus
Place asparagus in the preheated oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes until tender with slightly crispy tips. Shake the pan halfway through cooking for even roasting.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
While asparagus roasts, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Add Pesto and Serve
Remove chicken from heat and immediately spread 2 tablespoons of pesto over each breast. Let rest for 2 minutes then plate alongside roasted asparagus and top with shaved parmesan.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- prepared basil pesto → sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper richer flavor profile
- asparagus → broccolini or green beans for an equally keto-friendly vegetable side
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pounding the chicken to an even thickness which results in uneven cooking with dry edges and undercooked centers
- Applying pesto before the chicken is off heat which destroys the fresh basil flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 38g protein, 6g carbs, 27g fat, 3g fiber.
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