Poultry > Baked Chicken

Pesto-Crusted Engagement Chicken Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer

Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a food processor or blender, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Spread the pesto mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts.
- You can use pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.

Variations:
- You can add lemon zest to the pesto for a citrusy flavor.
- You can stuff the chicken with garlic and lemon before roasting for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before applying the pesto to ensure it sticks well.
- If the chicken is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chicken on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto is not sticking to the chicken, try patting the chicken dry again or adding a little more olive oil to the pesto.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Engagement Chicken is a popular recipe that is said to bring good luck to those who make it. It became famous after it was published in Glamour magazine in 2004 and was rumored to have helped many women get engaged after serving it to their partners.

Flavor profiles:
- The pesto adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the chicken, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory note.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables and garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Taste: Herby, Savory, Tangy, Nutty, Aromatic