Spinach Pesto Baked Chicken Recipes

CHEESY PESTO SPINACH STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Using a sharp knife, start to cut the chicken breast from the thicker side to almost the end of the other side, to make a pocket.
• Rub oil, salt and pepper to the outside of the chicken breasts.
• Place half tablespoon of pesto in each chicken pocket and spread it evenly.
• Slice the mozzarella into thick slices and fold them into the pockets.
• Add the tomatoes and spinach to the chicken pockets as well.
• Secure the pockets with some wooden skewers to avoid the filling from oozing out.
• Grease a baking dish and place the chicken in it.
• Bake it in a preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes.
• Cover the chicken and let it rest for 5 mins.
• Top the chicken with garlic butter or herb butter (optional) and enjoy!

PESTO CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place oven rack to the center position. Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Drizzle both sides of the chicken breast with olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Place chicken in an ovenproof baking dish or skillet.
• Bake in preheated oven until the internal temperature of the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 15 to 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto. Place the basil and spinach in a resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to lightly bruise the herbs and greens. Transfer to a food processor or blender.
• Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Toast garlic until the outsides are lightly browned, shaking pan occasionally, about 8 minutes. Peel garlic and add to food processor.
• Place walnuts in the same pan and toast over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to food processor.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the food processor.
• Process pesto by pulsing five times to help break down the greens.
• Turn food processor on low speed, as it's running slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until a smooth pesto with some smaller pieces is formed, about 10 seconds from start to finish.
• Add the parmesan cheese to the pesto and process on low speed for 5 seconds.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Transfer pesto to a small bowl.
• Brush some pesto sauce on each cooked chicken breast. Transfer to a serving platter.
• Top chicken with chopped walnuts, tomatoes, and cheese. Serve extra pesto sauce on the side.

SPINACH PESTO CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Mix the spinach and pesto together in a bowl; spread half the mixture into the bottom of a glass baking dish. Place the chicken breasts onto the spinach mixture; top with the rest of the mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese has begun to melt and brown, about 15 minutes.

HOMEMADE PORTUGUESE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine lemon juice, oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth.
• Score chicken legs a few times using a knife and place in a resealable bag or a bowl. Pour about 1/3 cup of sauce over chicken and toss well. Season with additional sea salt. Cover or seal and marinate chicken in a refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight. Reserve remaining sauce for basting.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn chicken over and baste with extra marinade. Cover baking dish with foil once again and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted near a bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).