Low Carb Chicken Pesto Bake is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful homemade pesto sauce, topped off with melted cheese. This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome option for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. The vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and parmesan, paired with juicy chicken, make this bake a wonderful addition to your dinner table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its incredible flavor profile and ease of preparation. The combination of succulent chicken and fresh basil pesto creates a mouthwatering experience that is both satisfying and healthy. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, even busy weeknights can be transformed into a gourmet dining experience. Plus, this dish perfectly aligns with low-carb diets, making it a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep the Pesto: To save time, make a batch of homemade pesto ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer use.
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts: For faster cooking, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor twist.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken in pesto up to a day in advance. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, you can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
Recipe Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with turkey breast or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegan Option: Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and replace cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Herb Variations: Swap basil for spinach or arugula to create a different herb flavor in the pesto.
How to Serve
Serve the Low Carb Chicken Pesto Bake hot from the oven, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added crunch. Pair it with a fresh side salad of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish. For a touch of color, add cherry tomatoes or olives on the side.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water infused with lemon or lime. A side of roasted asparagus or a cauliflower rice pilaf would complement the dish perfectly, and for dessert, consider a low-carb cheesecake to round out the meal.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for a quicker option.
Equipment Needed
- A baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- A food processor for making pesto
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A meat thermometer for checking chicken doneness
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese and coconut cream instead of regular cream in the pesto.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any grains.
- Nut-Free: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds in the pesto if you have a nut allergy.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, use fresh basil from your garden to enhance the pesto’s flavor. In the fall, consider adding some roasted butternut squash to the bake for a seasonal twist. For winter months, you might opt for kale instead of basil for a heartier pesto.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
- How long should I bake it? Bake for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- What if I don’t have fresh basil? You can use store-bought pesto or substitute with other fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
How To Make Low Carb Chicken Pesto Bake
Low Carb Chicken Pesto Bake
Low Carb Chicken Pesto Bake is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful homemade pesto sauce, topped off with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a larger bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the pesto, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
- In a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, drizzle olive oil and place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with pine nuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 604Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 116mgSodium 689mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 49g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Low Carb Chicken Pesto Bake is a simple yet elegant dish that will impress at your dinner table. Its rich flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, make it an ideal recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions. With its low-carb profile, it fits seamlessly into a variety of dietary lifestyles while satisfying your taste buds. Enjoy making this dish and watching your loved ones savor every bite!