Chicken Pesto Marinade

This Chicken Pesto Marinade needs just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to give you juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.

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Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 3 ingredients, 5 minutes of prep – no long ingredient lists, no special equipment, just mix and go.
• Ridiculously flavorful – the pesto does all the heavy lifting, so you get big, herby, garlicky flavor without a long ingredient list.
• Totally versatile – cook it in a skillet, in the oven, on the grill, or in the air fryer, whatever fits your night.
• Meal prep friendly – make a double batch and use it for dinners, salads, wraps, or bowls all week.
• High protein – a great way to hit your protein goals without overthinking dinner.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Chicken breast – lean and mild, so it soaks up the pesto flavor beautifully; boneless skinless thighs work too if you prefer more richness.
• Pesto – the flavor powerhouse of this whole recipe; store-bought works great for ease, or use homemade if you have it on hand. Dairy-free, vegan, or nut-free pesto works too.
• Lemon juice – brightens up the richness of the pesto and helps tenderize the chicken; bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Marinade

For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Combine the marinade. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix the pesto and lemon juice together.
2. Add the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated.
3. Let it marinate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Cook it your way. Cook in a skillet, in the oven, on the grill, or in the air fryer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations

• Don’t skip the marinating time – even 15 minutes makes a difference, but if you have longer, the flavor gets even better.
• Double the batch – this marinade is perfect for meal prep, so cook extra chicken to use in salads, bowls, or wraps throughout the week.
• Swap the protein – this works just as well with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu if you want to switch things up.
• Add a little heat – a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade adds a nice kick if you like spice.
• Use a meat thermometer – the easiest way to avoid overcooked chicken is to pull it at 165°F and let it rest.

Cook it 5 Ways

• Grill – preheat to medium-high heat and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Oven – bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Stovetop – heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
• Air fryer – cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
• Slow cooker – cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken shreds easily. Note: this method softens the texture more than the other cooking methods, so it’s best if you’re planning to shred the chicken.

Meal Prep & Storage

• Fridge – store cooked chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer – store cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheat – warm in the microwave, skillet, or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
• Meal prep tip – cook a double batch at the start of the week and use it in salads, bowls, wraps, or grain bowls for easy lunches and dinners.

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More Chicken Recipes to Love

• Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
• Ground Chicken Taco Meat
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• Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu
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