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Pesto Chicken Recipe

These pesto-filled chicken roll-ups from our Test Kitchen can be served warm as an entree of cooled and sliced for an elegant appetizer.

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Pesto Chicken Recipe

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 30 min.

Yield: 4 Servings

35 30 65

Ingredients

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon pine nuts
1 to 2 garlic cloves
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

For pesto, combine the first six ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Spread each with 2 tablespoons pesto to within 1/2 in. of the edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; secure with a toothpick or small metal skewer.
Place chicken in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish; brush with butter. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or meat is no longer pink. Remove toothpicks or skewers. Serve warm as a main course.
For an appetizer, cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled. Cut cold chicken into 1/2-in. slices. Yield: 4 main course or 12-16 appetizer servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving equals 332 calories, 24 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 82 mg cholesterol, 503 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 26 g protein.

Originally published as Pesto Chicken in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2004, p226

Pine Nuts

Also know as pignolia or pinon, the pine nut is the small seed from one of several pine tree varieties. They are small elongated ivory-colored nuts measuring about 3/8 inch long and having a soft texture and a buttery flavor. Frequently used in Italian dishes and sauces such as pesto, pine nuts are often toasted to enhance their flavor.

Full-Bodied White Wine

Enjoy this recipe with a full-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Viognier.

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(1-1) of 1 reviews

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2010 by KelliT

I used bottled pesto instead of making my own. It was pretty good, but I wasn't sure how to roll it up without losing much of the pesto. Overall, it was a very simple recipe to make & pop in the oven.