Imagine a dish that combines the zesty boldness of Southwestern cuisine with the rich, herbaceous charm of pesto - sounds irresistible, right? This Southwest Chicken with Pesto recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just 35 minutes. Packed with vibrant colors, exciting textures, and a perfect balance of spices, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds and wondering how you became such a culinary genius.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure better seasoning adherence and browning.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- In a small bowl, mix the corn kernels and diced red bell pepper together. Set aside.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the top of each chicken breast, covering the surface completely.
- Sprinkle the corn and bell pepper mixture evenly over the pesto-covered chicken breasts.
- Place the prepared chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Plate the chicken and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and better browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - 165°F is your target temperature.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try using homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto.
- If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chili powder mix.
- Fresh corn and bell peppers work best, but frozen can be a convenient alternative.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 421kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 144mg
