Pesto-Crusted Chicken with Roasted Asparagus Medley
Indulge in this delightful dish featuring succulent chicken breasts enveloped in a vibrant basil pesto and crisp Italian breadcrumbs, perfectly complemented by tender roasted asparagus. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, combining the aromatic freshness of basil with the satisfying crunch of breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make meal not only highlights the natural goodness of asparagus but also brings a vibrant color to your dinner table, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (sliced into ½-inch wide pieces)
basil pesto
1/3 cup (for brushing over the chicken)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for coating the chicken)
fresh asparagus
1 lb (ends trimmed)
olive oil flavored cooking spray
to taste (for misting)
salt
to taste (for seasoning asparagus)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning asparagus)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2
Start by slicing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into ½-inch wide pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on one of the prepared baking sheets.
3
Generously brush each piece of chicken with basil pesto, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor. Evenly sprinkle Italian seasoned breadcrumbs over the top of the chicken pieces, pressing gently to adhere.
4
Mist the chicken with olive oil-flavored cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy crust during baking.
5
Meanwhile, prepare the asparagus by breaking off the tough ends and arranging the stalks on the second baking sheet. Lightly mist them with olive oil-flavored cooking spray and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken on the middle rack and the asparagus on the upper rack for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the asparagus is tender yet retains a slight crispness.
7
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Serve this delightful pesto-crusted chicken alongside the roasted asparagus for a delicious, nutritious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pesto-Crusted Chicken with Roasted Asparagus Medley?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts coated in basil pesto and Italian breadcrumbs, served alongside roasted asparagus.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should the chicken be sliced?
The chicken should be sliced into 1/2-inch wide pieces for even cooking and better coating.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Break off the tough ends of 1 lb of fresh asparagus and arrange the stalks on a baking sheet.
How do I apply the pesto to the chicken?
Generously brush 1/3 cup of basil pesto over each piece of chicken ensuring they are well-coated.
What ensures the chicken crust gets crispy?
Misting the breadcrumb-covered chicken with olive oil-flavored cooking spray helps create a golden, crispy crust.
How long does the chicken and asparagus take to bake?
Both should be baked for approximately 15-20 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use aluminum foil for the baking sheets?
Yes, lining two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil is recommended for easy cleanup.
How should I season the asparagus?
Lightly mist with olive oil cooking spray and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
On which oven racks should I place the baking sheets?
Bake the chicken on the middle rack and the asparagus on the upper rack.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
Can this be prepared as a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is designed to be an easy-to-make meal ideal for busy weeknights.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It features vibrant Italian flavors from the basil pesto and seasoned breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients including the seasonings and cooking spray.
Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?
The instructions do not require flipping the chicken pieces during the 15-20 minute bake time.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of asparagus?
While the recipe specifies asparagus, other quick-roasting vegetables like thin green beans could be used similarly.
Is the pesto used as a marinade?
The pesto is brushed on just before applying the breadcrumbs and baking, rather than used as a long-term marinade.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken?
Press the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs gently into the pesto-coated chicken to help them adhere.
What is the texture of the roasted asparagus?
The asparagus should be tender yet retain a slight crispness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
Does the recipe require any specialized equipment?
No specialized equipment is needed besides two rimmed baking sheets and an oven.
Is this meal suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, the vibrant colors and classic flavors make it a great choice for families.
What is the purpose of the olive oil cooking spray on the asparagus?
It helps the salt and pepper adhere and promotes even roasting.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken cool for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be sliced into strips approximately 1/2-inch wide.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the ingredient list of chicken, pesto, breadcrumbs, and vegetables, there is no added sugar.
What provides the aromatic freshness in this dish?
The vibrant basil pesto provides the aromatic freshness and main flavor base.