This Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Chicken is a vibrant and zesty recipe, which uses the famous Vegan Kale Pesto for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful way to prepare chicken, perfect for baking, grilling, or pan-searing. This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, plus marinating time.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Chicken Ingredients
- 1 pound package Trader Joe’s Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Cutlets
- 1 jar Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto (about ½ to ¾ cup)
- 2 fresh lemons, juiced (approximately ¼ cup)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
How To Make Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Chicken
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together about a half-jar of the pesto, the juice from two lemons, and a generous pinch of black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in the marinade and turn to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken using one of three methods below. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- To Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken and all the marinade into a glass baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- To Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through with nice grill marks.
- To Pan-Sear: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most flavor? The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours if you have the time, but even 30 minutes will make a delicious difference.
- How to get perfectly juicy chicken? Using thin chicken cutlets is the key to quick and even cooking, which prevents the chicken from drying out. If you have thick chicken breasts, it’s a great idea to pound them to an even thickness before marinating.
- The Ultimate Trader Joe’s Shortcut: This recipe is designed around the convenience and unique flavor of Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto. It’s a fantastic shortcut that packs a huge flavor punch with zero effort.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast is very lean and can become dry if overcooked. For the juiciest result, use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What To Serve With Lemon Pesto Chicken
This is a wonderfully versatile main course that pairs perfectly with a variety of Trader Joe’s sides. Serve it with:
- Trader Joe’s Lemon Pappardelle Pasta or their Cauliflower Gnocchi.
- A scoop of Trader Joe’s Quinoa or a simple salad.
- A side of Trader Joe’s Roasted Vegetables.
How To Store Lemon Pesto Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Leftover Ideas: Leftover sliced chicken is fantastic served cold on top of a salad, in a wrap, or in a sandwich.
Lemon Pesto Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, of course. While this recipe is designed around the flavor profile of the Trader Joe’s Kale Pesto, any traditional basil pesto will also be delicious.
No, this recipe is savory and zesty, not spicy. If you’d like to add a kick, you can add a pinch of Trader Joe’s Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to the marinade.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They will be even juicier than chicken breasts. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Try More Recipes:
Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Chicken Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcalA quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner using Trader Joe’s famous kale pesto and a squeeze of fresh lemon to create a vibrant and flavorful marinade for tender chicken breasts.
Ingredients
1 pound Trader Joe’s Chicken Breast Cutlets
1/2 to 3/4 cup Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto
Juice of 2 lemons (approx. 1/4 cup)
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the pesto, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cutlets and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- Cook the chicken using your preferred method:
- Bake: At 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Grill: Over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Pan-Sear: In a hot, oiled skillet for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- The TJ’s Shortcut: The most important tip is to use a high-quality pre-made pesto like the one from Trader Joe’s. This is the secret to a delicious meal with minimal effort.
- Marinate for Flavor: For the best, most tender result, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. Use a meat thermometer to pull it from the heat at 165°F for a perfectly juicy result.
- Even Thickness is Key: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness before marinating to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
