Keto Pesto Chicken with Asparagus

Mise-en-place

Ingrediënten

De bereidingswijze

Stap voor stap

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   Ongeveer 5 min

2. 2

   Prepare the pesto: Combine the fresh basil, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor.

   Ongeveer 3 min

3. 3

   Pulse the ingredients until roughly chopped, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running until a smooth, thick pesto forms. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

   Ongeveer 2 min

   Tip van de kok: Adjust the consistency with more olive oil if needed for a thinner pesto.

4. 4

   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

   Ongeveer 1 min

   Tip van de kok: Drying the chicken helps achieve a better sear.

5. 5

   Spread about two tablespoons of the prepared pesto evenly over one side of each chicken cutlet.

   Ongeveer 1 min

6. 6

   Arrange the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

   Ongeveer 2 min

7. 7

   Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.

   Ongeveer 2 min

   Tip van de kok: A cast iron skillet works great for getting a nice sear.

8. 8

   Place the pesto-coated chicken breasts, pesto-side up, into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

   Ongeveer 4 min

   Tip van de kok: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

9. 9

   Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Add the baking sheet with the asparagus to the oven as well.

10. 10

    Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F) and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

    Ongeveer 12 min

    Tip van de kok: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.

11. 11

    Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Ongeveer 5 min

    Tip van de kok: Resting the chicken helps keep it juicy.

12. 12

    Serve the pesto chicken alongside the roasted asparagus, with any remaining fresh pesto on the side for drizzling.