35 Chicken Pesto Recipes
Pesto transforms simple chicken into something restaurant-worthy, and these 35 recipes prove it works with pasta, sandwiches, salads, and so much more. Whether you’re making classic basil pesto or experimenting with sun-dried tomato and walnut variations, you’ll find endless ways to keep chicken dinners exciting.
1. Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Pasta
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
This creamy pasta combines tender chicken with a luxurious pesto cream sauce that coats every strand. The garlic elevates the basil flavor without overpowering it.
2. Grilled Pesto Chicken Breast
Source: allrecipes.com
A marinade of pesto, olive oil, and lemon keeps the chicken juicy while charring beautifully on the grill. It’s done in under 20 minutes.
3. Pesto Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Source: littleblackskillet.com
Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil pesto meet grilled chicken on crusty bread for a gourmet lunch. The pesto acts as both flavor and binder.
4. Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs
Source: foodandwine.com
Chicken thighs stay incredibly moist when baked under a thick pesto crust with parmesan and breadcrumbs. One pan, minimal cleanup.
5. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken
Source: jz-eats.com
This variation swaps fresh basil for a tangy, concentrated sun-dried tomato pesto that’s bold and complex. Perfect with roasted vegetables.
6. Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Source: hellofresh.com
Shredded chicken mixed with pesto mayo sits in crisp lettuce leaves for a light, refreshing meal. Crunchy nuts add texture.
7. Spinach Walnut Pesto Chicken
Source: howtomakedinner.com
Spinach and walnuts create an earthier pesto that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken thighs. It’s less acidic than traditional basil versions.
8. Pesto Chicken Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella
Source: threeolivesbranch.com
Spread pesto as your sauce, top with shredded cooked chicken, and add fresh mozzarella after baking for creamy, stretchy bites. Arugula finishes it.
9. Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Marinara
Source: iamhomesteader.com
Pesto and marinara blend into a deeply flavored sauce that turns humble chicken into something special over 6 hours. Serve over pasta or polenta.
10. Pesto Chicken Feta Wraps
Source: nutritiontofit.com
Shredded pesto chicken, crumbled feta, cucumber, and roasted red peppers rolled in flatbread make a handheld powerhouse. Great for meal prep.
11. Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tacos
Source: holajalapeno.com
Fresh cilantro pesto brings a bright, herbal twist to seasoned chicken tacos with lime crema. Avocado and radish slaw complete the picture.
12. Pesto Chicken Risotto
Source: throughthefibrofog.com
Creamy risotto swirled with vibrant pesto and topped with tender chicken pieces creates an elegant weeknight dinner. The starch soaks up all that herby goodness.
13. Arugula Parmesan Pesto Chicken
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
Peppery arugula pesto brings a sophisticated bite to pan-seared chicken breasts finished with extra shaved parmesan. Light yet impressive.
14. Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Source: layersofhappiness.com
Halved bell peppers filled with seasoned chicken mixed with pesto, breadcrumbs, and cheese create a colorful, company-worthy dish. Bake until the peppers soften.
15. Lemon Herb Pesto Chicken Skewers
Source: kalynskitchen.com
Marinated in lemon, garlic, and herb pesto, these grilled chicken skewers stay tender with bright citrus notes. Perfect for appetizers or meal prep bowls.
16. Pesto Chicken Meatballs with Marinara
Source: meljoulwan.com
Pesto stirred into ground chicken makes meatballs that are juicy and flavorful without any breadcrumbs needed. Simmer in marinara sauce.
17. Pesto Chicken Quesadillas
Source: inspiredtaste.net
Shredded pesto chicken and melted cheese between flour tortillas create a crispy, creamy handheld meal. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
18. Basil Almond Pesto Chicken Breasts
Source: pomanmeals.com
Almonds replace pine nuts in this nuttier, more budget-friendly pesto that clings beautifully to baked chicken. Top with a crack of sea salt.
19. Pesto Chicken Soup with Vegetables
Source: reciperunner.com
A silky broth enriched with pesto carries tender shredded chicken and seasonal vegetables for comfort food that tastes fancy. Finish with cream if desired.
20. Pesto Chicken Piccata
Source: mealprepkingz.com
Pesto mingles with a bright caper-lemon sauce for chicken that’s tangy, savory, and elegant in under 30 minutes. Serve over pasta.
21. Roasted Pesto Chicken with Root Vegetables
Source: ournourishingtable.com
Whole chicken rubbed inside and out with pesto roasts alongside cubed potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, seasoning everything as it cooks. One sheet pan simplicity.
22. Pesto Chicken Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers
Source: hostthetoast.com
Sliced pesto chicken meets jarred roasted red peppers, provolone, and arugula on toasted ciabatta for a deli-style upgrade. Toast it on a panini press.
23. Kale Sunflower Seed Pesto Chicken
Source: island-bakes.com
Nutrient-dense kale and cheaper sunflower seeds make a pesto that’s slightly earthier but packed with herbaceous flavor. Baked or grilled chicken works equally well.
24. Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Source: gimmedelicious.com
Two sauces in one: creamy alfredo swirled with bright green pesto creates a two-tone pasta that tastes rich but feels balanced. Broccoli florets add nutrition.
25. Spicy Garlic Pesto Chicken Stir-Fry
Source: easyweeknightrecipes.com
Red chili flakes amp up traditional pesto for a quick stir-fry with bell peppers, snap peas, and cashews over rice. The heat is addictive.
26. Pesto Chicken Polenta Bowls
Source: turniptheoven.com
Creamy polenta creates a luxe base for pesto chicken, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of parmesan for coziness with sophistication. One-bowl dinners at their best.
27. Mint Pesto Chicken with Pomegranate
Source: kosher.com
Fresh mint pesto adds a cooling, unexpected flavor to chicken, while pomegranate seeds contribute sweet-tart bursts and beautiful color. Serve over couscous.
28. Pesto Chicken Sliders with Pesto Mayo
Source: lecremedelacrumb.com
Mini beef-style sliders made with ground chicken and topped with pesto mayo, tomato, and fresh basil are perfect for parties. Make them ahead and reheat.
29. Pesto Chicken Orzo Salad
Source: corporate.lundsandbyerlys.com
Tender orzo pasta, shredded pesto chicken, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella toss together for a cold salad that’s substantial yet light. Great for picnics.
30. Parmesan-Crusted Pesto Chicken
Source: emeals.com
A mixture of pesto, grated parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs creates a crunchy, flavorful crust when pan-fried or baked until golden. Serve with lemon wedges.
31. Pesto Chicken Avocado Toast
Source: gimmedelicious.com
Sliced pesto chicken stacked on avocado spread over sourdough toast, finished with a runny egg and red pepper flakes for brunch done right. Picture-perfect and delicious.
32. Tomato Basil Pesto Chicken Cacciatore
Source: minnesotamonthly.com
Traditional cacciatore gets a pesto boost with fresh basil worked into a tomato-wine sauce simmered with chicken, mushrooms, and olives. Serve over polenta.
33. Pesto Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
Source: peaceloveandlowcarb.com
Large mushroom caps filled with shredded pesto chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella bake into elegant appetizers that look fancier than they are. Herbaceous and satisfying.
34. Pesto Chicken with Roasted Asparagus
Source: heinens.com
Pesto-glazed chicken breasts pair perfectly with roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon oil for a springtime dinner that’s ready in under 35 minutes. Elegant simplicity.
35. Thai Green Pesto Chicken Curry
Source: deliciousandsons.com
Thai basil and coconut milk blend into a pesto-like curry paste that’s creamy, fragrant, and just spicy enough when simmered with chicken and vegetables. Addictive.
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