Mary Berry Pesto Lemon Chicken Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your dinner routine, Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken recipe is a must-try!

This dish combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the herby goodness of pesto, creating a deliciously tangy and savory meal that’s both easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a weeknight dinner that feels a bit more exciting, this recipe is a perfect balance of simple ingredients and sophisticated taste. Trust me, it’ll be a hit at the dinner table!

Mary Berry Pesto Lemon Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients that not only bring flavor but also complement one another harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts (or thighs): Chicken is the star of this recipe, and choosing boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs is ideal for this dish. They cook quickly and provide a tender texture when prepared correctly. Some people prefer thighs for a slightly juicier result, while breasts will give you a leaner, more traditional chicken flavor.

• Pesto: For a rich, herbal depth of flavor, pesto is the perfect addition. Traditionally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, the pesto lends a creamy and aromatic touch to the chicken. You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, or you can make your own fresh pesto for an extra kick.

• Lemon: Fresh lemon is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing both zest and juice to brighten up the pesto’s flavors and balance the richness of the chicken. The zest adds a citrusy sharpness, while the juice brings a tangy, refreshing note.

• Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil is needed to coat the chicken before cooking, ensuring it stays moist and cooks evenly. It also helps the pesto adhere to the surface of the chicken.

• Garlic: Garlic adds a robust, aromatic note to the dish. If you like an extra depth of flavor, you can either mince it finely or use garlic powder as a shortcut.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan gives the pesto its classic savory, umami flavor. This ingredient enhances the overall creaminess and richness of the dish. Grated fresh Parmesan is preferred for the best flavor.

• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Fresh basil or thyme is often used to garnish the finished dish, enhancing the flavor with some aromatic freshness. If you’re feeling creative, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives will add a nice visual contrast as well.

Equipment Needed

The right equipment makes all the difference in creating a perfect dish. For Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Frying Pan or Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet is perfect for searing the chicken and cooking it to golden perfection. Non-stick pans work well for this, as they allow for even cooking and make cleanup easier.

• Grater or Zester: A fine zester or box grater is essential for getting the lemon zest without the bitterness that the pith can bring. This tool will help you achieve those perfect citrusy ribbons of zest.

• Knife and Chopping Board: A sharp knife and a sturdy chopping board are necessary for chopping your garlic and preparing any fresh herbs or additional garnishes you might want to use.

• Bowl for Mixing: A medium bowl for mixing the pesto, lemon juice, and any other ingredients like garlic will make the process easier and quicker.

• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure the right balance of flavors, use measuring spoons and cups to accurately measure the ingredients, especially when working with the pesto, lemon juice, and Parmesan.

• Tongs or a Spatula: Tongs or a spatula will help with turning the chicken in the pan without damaging the delicate crust or interior.

• Serving Plate: A large, attractive plate for serving your chicken, allowing the colors of the dish to shine.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken

Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken is incredibly simple to prepare, yet the combination of flavors makes it feel special. Here’s how to make this delightful dish:

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by preparing your chicken breasts (or thighs). Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps with the searing process, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior.

2. Season the Chicken: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chicken pieces, then season them with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure both sides are evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook it for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. To check doneness, you can use a meat thermometer (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).

4. Prepare the Pesto Lemon Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix the pesto with the zest and juice of one lemon in a bowl. Add the grated Parmesan and minced garlic, then stir until smooth. You can adjust the quantities to taste, adding more pesto or lemon juice if you prefer a more pronounced flavor.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat and spoon the pesto lemon mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let the sauce warm through and meld with the chicken for a few minutes.

6. Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is coated and the sauce is bubbling slightly, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or thyme. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Expert Tips

• Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent dry, overcooked edges.

• Pesto Variations: Experiment with different types of pesto for variety!

  If you’re looking for something unique, try a sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or even a walnut-based pesto for a slightly different flavor profile.

• Lemon Zest: Be sure to only zest the outer yellow layer of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This will ensure that your pesto has a bright, aromatic flavor without any unwanted bitterness.

• Make-Ahead Option: This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken in the pesto lemon mixture for an hour or two before cooking to allow the flavors to infuse the meat. Just make sure to keep the marinated chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

• Herb Enhancements: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can still provide excellent flavor. For example, dried basil or thyme can work as substitutes in the pesto or as a garnish. However, fresh herbs tend to be more fragrant and visually appealing.

Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of fresh, vibrant ingredients with simple, easy-to-follow steps. The tang of lemon perfectly balances the richness of the pesto, while the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to wow.

With the right ingredients, a bit of patience in cooking, and some creativity in garnishing, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases bold flavors with minimal effort. This recipe also leaves plenty of room for customization, allowing you to add your own flair with different pesto variations or extra seasonings. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful culinary experience.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken

Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that combines the richness of pesto with the zing of lemon, resulting in a vibrant and savory experience. While the recipe itself is a crowd-pleaser, there are numerous ways to give it a personal twist, making it even more suited to your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some easy variations you can try:

1. Pesto Variation: The classic pesto used in Mary Berry’s recipe often contains basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. However, you can easily switch up the ingredients depending on what you have available or what flavors you prefer. For a more vibrant green color and a slightly earthier taste, swap out the traditional basil for spinach, arugula, or kale. If you’re avoiding dairy, make a vegan pesto using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Another interesting twist is using sun-dried tomatoes to make a rich, tangy pesto.

2. Chicken Substitutes: While Mary Berry’s recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can experiment with different cuts of chicken or even other proteins. For a juicier result, try using chicken thighs or drumsticks, which provide a more succulent and tender texture. For a lighter option, turkey breasts or boneless skinless turkey thighs could work well, offering a leaner alternative. Alternatively, if you’re following a plant-based diet, roasted cauliflower steaks or firm tofu slices marinated in the pesto lemon mixture can be excellent substitutions, providing a similar depth of flavor.

3. Cooking Methods: The original recipe typically calls for grilling or baking the chicken, but you can experiment with different cooking techniques for variety. If you love a bit of crispiness, try pan-searing the chicken in a hot skillet for a golden crust, then finishing it off in the oven. For a more hands-off approach, you can slow-cook the chicken in a crockpot with the pesto lemon marinade, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the meat stays moist and tender.

4. Adding a Veggie Boost: For an extra nutritional boost, why not add some vegetables directly to the dish?

   Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes pair wonderfully with the fresh, zesty pesto and lemon. You can even sauté these vegetables with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil before serving, giving your meal a burst of color and flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.

5. Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of spice, you can elevate your pesto lemon chicken with a bit of heat. Stir in some chili flakes or add a touch of finely chopped fresh chili to the pesto. Alternatively, infuse the chicken with some chipotle seasoning or a dash of smoked paprika for a smokier, spicier profile that contrasts nicely with the tangy lemon.

6. Citrus Variations: While lemon is the star in this dish, there’s no harm in experimenting with other citrus fruits to introduce a unique flavor twist. Try substituting lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a different, but equally bright, citrus note. A combination of orange zest and lemon zest in the pesto can add an aromatic dimension that’s perfect for warmer months.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken makes for fantastic leftovers, but to maintain its delicious flavors and freshness, there are a few important steps to follow when storing the dish.

1. Cool Quickly: After cooking, allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature. It’s best not to leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow rapidly. To speed up the cooling process, you can cut the chicken into smaller pieces before refrigerating it.

2. Store in an Airtight Container: To preserve the moisture and flavor of the pesto lemon chicken, store the leftovers in an airtight container. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out and also minimize exposure to air, which can lead to the pesto losing its freshness. If you have any leftover pesto sauce, store it separately to keep the flavors from becoming diluted.

3. Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure that the container is sealed well to prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge from seeping into your chicken. If you plan to keep the leftovers longer, freezing may be an option, though the texture of the chicken may change after thawing.

4. Freezing: If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a good option. However, keep in mind that freezing the chicken might affect the texture, especially if it’s been coated in pesto. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pesto lemon chicken can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. Reheating: To reheat the chicken, it’s best to do so gently to prevent the meat from becoming tough. You can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes, or use the microwave for a quicker option. If you find that the pesto has thickened too much after being stored, consider adding a little extra olive oil or a splash of lemon juice when reheating to bring back its original consistency and brightness.

What Goes Well With Pesto Lemon Chicken

When it comes to side dishes, Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of flavors and textures, making it suitable for various occasions. Here are some perfect pairings to complement the dish:

1. Roasted Vegetables: The rich, savory flavors of pesto and the zesty lemon contrast beautifully with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables. Consider serving your chicken alongside roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. Their caramelized edges and earthy flavors will balance the tangy notes of the chicken.

2. Fresh Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect way to cut through the richness of the pesto chicken. A simple green salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette, will enhance the bright, citrusy flavor of the dish. Adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or red onion can provide extra texture and contrast.

3. Pasta: Pasta and pesto are a match made in heaven. You can serve Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, to soak up the flavorful pesto sauce. Alternatively, you could toss some cooked pasta with additional pesto for a flavorful side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.

4. Crispy Bread: A crusty piece of sourdough or baguette is ideal for sopping up any leftover pesto sauce. The bread’s crunch adds an enjoyable textural contrast to the tender chicken, and its neutral flavor makes the pesto shine even brighter. For an added touch, toast the bread and rub a garlic clove on top for extra flavor.

5. Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans: The subtle bitterness of asparagus or green beans grilled to perfection offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken. Grilled veggies also impart a smoky depth that pairs nicely with the fresh lemon notes in the pesto.

6. Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: If you’re looking for a heartier side, a light rice pilaf or quinoa works wonders. The nutty flavor and texture of quinoa, or the fluffy nature of rice pilaf, will complement the chicken without overpowering it. You can even toss in some toasted almonds or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken is a simple yet sophisticated dish that can be tailored in many different ways, ensuring it remains a versatile favorite in your cooking repertoire. From experimenting with pesto variations to substituting proteins or cooking methods, the dish is easy to adapt to fit personal preferences.

Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy the flavors for days to come, whether refrigerated or frozen. And when it comes to sides, the possibilities are endless, from roasted vegetables and fresh salads to pasta and crispy bread. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight, offering the perfect balance of bright citrus, aromatic pesto, and succulent chicken.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken Recipe?

To make Mary Berry’s pesto lemon chicken, you will need chicken breasts, fresh pesto (or homemade pesto), lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be used as garnish for added flavor.

Can I Use Store-bought Pesto For This Recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto can be used for convenience. However, homemade pesto offers a fresher and more personalized flavor, especially when made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken?

The preparation time for Mary Berry’s pesto lemon chicken is approximately 15-20 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes for cooking, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

What Is The Best Way To Cook The Chicken In This Recipe?

For best results, you should pan-fry or bake the chicken breasts. When baking, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and cook for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through. If pan-frying, cook on medium heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, but the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure they are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Is There A Way To Make This Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, Mary Berry’s pesto lemon chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the pesto to ensure they don’t contain any gluten, especially if using store-bought pesto.

What Sides Pair Well With Mary Berry’s Pesto Lemon Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, steamed rice, or garlic mashed potatoes. The lemon and pesto flavors complement fresh, vibrant vegetables.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s pesto lemon chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently before serving. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for later use.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Fully Cooked?

The best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear.

Can I Add Extra Flavor To The Pesto Lemon Chicken?

Certainly!

You can add extra flavor by incorporating ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a splash of white wine to the pesto sauce. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary also work well with this dish.