Introduction
Indulge in a delicious and creamy chicken dish that combines the rich flavors of pesto, white wine, and fresh cherry tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing a taste of Italian cuisine right to your table. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this succulent chicken in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
¼ cup dry white wine
¾ cup heavy cream, room temperature
½ cup pesto
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil (optional, for serving)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice them in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of pesto until they are well coated. Set the chicken aside for a moment.
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Sear the chicken on both sides until cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Deglaze the Skillet
With the skillet still over medium heat, pour in ¼ cup of dry white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that have accumulated on the bottom of the pan.
Add Heavy Cream and Pesto
Stir in ¾ cup of room temperature heavy cream and ½ cup of pesto into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Cherry Tomatoes
Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce in the skillet. Cook them until they are warmed through, around 1-2 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the cutlets to generously coat them.
Serve the Dish
Serve the chicken topped with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
Adjusting Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Wine Selection
Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Heavy Cream Alternative
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, but the sauce may not be as rich.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Brining chicken
To enhance moisture and flavor, consider brining the chicken in a mixture of water and salt for a few hours before cooking.
Cutting chicken for even cooking
Slicing chicken breasts in half horizontally creates cutlets that cook more quickly and evenly.
Coating chicken
Tossing the chicken in pesto ensures that it is well-flavored and helps create a nice crust while cooking.
Searing
Searing the chicken in olive oil over medium heat develops a flavorful golden crust, enhancing the overall taste.
Deglazing
Adding white wine to the skillet and scraping up browned bits (fond) incorporates deeper flavors into the sauce.
Creating a cream sauce
Combining heavy cream with pesto and cooking until slightly thickened creates a rich and creamy sauce that complements the chicken.
Cooking tomatoes
Halving and adding cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking ensures they maintain their shape and freshness while being slightly warmed.
Final assembly
Returning the chicken to the sauce and spooning it over creates a harmonious dish, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
FAQ
Can I use chicken with skin on for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice combined with water as a substitute for white wine.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.
Can I make extra sauce?
Yes, simply increase the amounts of the sauce ingredients proportionately to create more sauce.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well, but homemade pesto can enhance the flavor even more.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This chicken dish features tender cutlets infused with pesto and sautéed in a creamy white wine sauce, complemented by refreshing cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It is a delightful meal that balances richness with fresh flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pasta Pairing
Toss with cooked fettuccine or penne for a hearty pasta dish.
Vegetable Sides
Accompany with steamed green beans or a mixed greens salad for a light side.
Flavor Variations
Substitute the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Herb Additions
Add in thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic touch.
Grain Alternatives
Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for a nutritious base.
Cheese Options
Experiment with goat cheese or feta cheese as a topping instead of Parmesan.
Seafood Twist
Replace the chicken with salmon fillets for a delightful seafood variation.
