Imagine a dish that combines the smoky richness of ancho chili pesto with a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken coating that'll have your dinner guests begging for seconds. This Mexican-inspired chicken recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a culinary adventure, delivering a perfect balance of spice, texture, and mouthwatering flavor in just 40 minutes. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with a restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup ancho chili pesto
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor profile.
- In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs and grated cheese together. The cheese will add extra flavor and help create a golden-brown crust.
- Spread the ancho chili pesto evenly over each chicken breast, coating the entire surface. The pesto will provide a rich, smoky flavor with a mild heat.
- Dredge each pesto-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or serve with a side of Mexican rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, even coating.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and binding properties in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each chicken breast space to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with cheese.
- Experiment with different types of hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino for subtle flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 36g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 96mg
