Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with this mouthwatering Pan Seared Chicken with Cilantro Pesto recipe! Imagine perfectly golden-brown chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, zesty cilantro sauce that will transport your palate to flavor paradise. This simple yet sophisticated dish combines crispy, juicy chicken with a fresh, herbaceous pesto that's guaranteed to impress both family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Create the cilantro pesto by combining fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and well-combined, creating a vibrant green sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and ensure it's hot before adding the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the chicken and generously drizzle the fresh cilantro pesto over the top of each breast.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- • Ensure your chicken breasts are at room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution • Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time • Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender • For extra flavor, toast your Parmesan cheese slightly before adding to the pesto • If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto using a mortar and pestle or finely chop ingredients • For a lighter version, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-searing
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 105mg
