Pan-Roasted Chicken with Herb Pesto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-roasted chicken breasts served with a vibrant herb pesto inspired by regional greens. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and pan-roast for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and rest covered.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 peeled garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a food processor.
  4. Step 4: Pulse ingredients while drizzling in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil until a bright, coarse pesto forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
  5. Step 5: Plate chicken breasts and spoon 2-3 tbsp of the herb pesto over each serving while still warm, garnishing with extra pine nuts if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Chicken with Herb Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Roasted Chicken with Herb Pesto?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Chicken with Herb Pesto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Roasted Chicken with Herb Pesto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Roasted Chicken with Herb Pesto?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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