Pesto Chicken Recipe
This Pesto Chicken delivers 52g protein and 280 calories per serving—a lean lunch option that won't derail your cut. Quick stovetop prep yields 4 servings, letting you batch cook Italian-style chicken without extended kitchen time. Built for lifters hitting 160g+ daily protein targets while keeping calories controlled.
Ingredients
- •Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(907g)
Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.
- •½ teaspoon kosher salt
- •¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- •Basil, Fresh(75g)
- •Tomato, Cherry
- •Basil, Fresh(60g)
- •Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.
- •Olive oil
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
Instructions
- 1Lightly pound the chicken into an even thickness (about ½-inch thick; I lay a sheet of plastic wrap on top to keep things tidy). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2Dollop a tablespoon of pesto on each chicken breast, then with a brush or your fingers, slather to coat both sides. Place the cherry tomatoes in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon pesto. If the tomatoes seem dry, add a little olive oil.
- 3TO GRILL: Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat (~465°F). Make sure your grill is very clean and oil the grates. Place the chicken on the grill presentation (smooth) side down. Let cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook 4 to 8 minutes on the other side, until it reaches 155-160°F on an instant read thermometer (its temperature will rise to 165°F as it rests). Grill the cherry tomatoes alongside in a grill basket or threaded onto skewers.
- 4TO BAKE: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tomatoes around the edges of the pan and place the chicken in the center. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155 to 160°F (it will rise to 165°F as it rests).
- 5Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes prior to serving with the cherry tomatoes, more pesto, and a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan.
Nutrition — Per Serving
280
calories
52g
protein
6g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 1g
- Saturated fat
- 1.3g
- Sodium
- 103 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 0.5g
4 servings per batch · ~261g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
AI Swap Engine
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How much protein does Pesto Chicken Recipe have per serving?
Each serving contains 52g of protein and only 280 calories, with 6g fat and 1g carbs. This is one of the leanest protein-to-calorie ratios available, making it exceptional for hitting protein targets without excess calories.
How long does Pesto Chicken Recipe take to prep?
Quick prep time with 4 servings per batch means this lean chicken cooks fast on the stovetop for meal prep. You're getting 4 ready-to-eat protein portions in minimal time and effort.
Is Pesto Chicken Recipe good for fat loss?
At 280 calories and 52g protein per serving, this chicken is one of the best options in the app for aggressive fat loss phases where you need maximum protein with minimum calories. The extremely low fat and carb content lets you build your meals around this base while controlling total intake.
