Tasty Bacon Pesto Chicken

The magic happens when crispy bacon meets fragrant pesto and juicy chicken in this go-to weeknight dish. Each mouthful bursts with Italian-inspired taste, and the quick broil method keeps everything moist and done in just 15 minutes. It's how basic stuff becomes something fancy enough for guests but simple enough for busy days.

I wasn't sure about broiling when I first tried this. But watching the bacon get all crispy while the chicken stayed so juicy with that pesto flavor totally changed my mind. Now it's what I make when I want to wow people without spending forever cooking.

Round Up These Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts: Pick ones that are the same size so they'll cook evenly
• Basil pesto: This brings all that Italian goodness - try to get one with real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Center-cut bacon: Has just the right amount of fat and meat for wrapping
• Fresh lemons: They give that zingy pop that makes everything taste better
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper: Let you make it exactly as tasty as you want

Cooking Steps

Set The Scene:

Put your oven rack about 8-10 inches from the broiler for just the right heat balance. This distance lets bacon crisp nicely without burning. Cover your baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze.

Prep The Chicken:

Sandwich each breast between plastic and lightly pound until it's about a quarter-inch thick all over. This makes everything cook the same and helps with rolling later. Cut each flat piece lengthwise for perfect serving sizes.

Add Flavor:

Slather plenty of bright pesto all over each chicken strip, going right to the edges. The pesto doesn't just taste amazing - it also locks in moisture while everything cooks.

Bundle It Up:

Start at the skinny end and roll each pesto-covered piece into a neat spiral. Then wrap bacon around each one like you're tucking it in for bed. Stick a toothpick in if they won't stay put.

Last Details:

Space your wrapped bundles on the sheet so they've got room to crisp up nicely. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them to brighten the flavor and help the bacon turn golden brown.

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I've cooked this so many times and the broiler trick always works like a charm. My kids especially love how the pesto soaks into the chicken while it cooks, making little flavor bombs in every bite. It reminds me of my grandma's Italian cooking but way quicker and easier.

Tasty Companions

Make this juicy chicken even better by serving it with some roasted garlic asparagus that gets its own time under the broiler until the tips get crispy. A scoop of creamy parmesan risotto makes a great base that soaks up all those tasty drippings. If you want something lighter, try a spicy arugula salad with lemon dressing that cuts through the rich chicken nicely.

Mix It Up

You can switch things around to match what you like. Try using sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil for a totally different taste. Turkey bacon works too if you want something lighter, just cook it a bit less time. For folks avoiding carbs, put it on top of cauliflower rice with garlic and herbs.

Saving Leftovers

Keep any extra chicken rolls in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to warm them up, wrap them loosely in foil and heat in a 325°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. Take the foil off for the last few minutes so the bacon gets crispy again.

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I've tried tons of chicken dishes over the years, but this bacon-wrapped pesto creation is one I come back to all the time. The way the pesto soaks into the chicken while the bacon gets all crispy just works so well together. It doesn't matter if you're feeding your family or having friends over - this dish tastes like restaurant food without all the work. It's quick to make but big on flavor, which is why it's become one of my favorite go-to meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these beforehand?

You can get the rolls ready up to a day ahead, wrap and keep in the fridge, then cook when you're ready to eat.

→ Why should I flatten the chicken?

Flattening helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling it much easier.

→ Is turkey bacon okay to use?

Sure, but it won't get as crunchy and might cook faster than regular bacon.

→ Will I need toothpicks?

Only if your bacon won't stay wrapped around the chicken - usually the bacon sticks to itself during cooking.

→ Can I use my own pesto?

For sure! Homemade pesto works wonderfully and you can adjust the flavors however you like.