Pesto and Tomato Chicken

Nothing says spring like pesto! Along with this delicious basil sauce, the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s April recipe includes chicken, tomato, garlic, and even more basil. It’s healthy and a hit at any dinner party!

Research shows that dietary factors can help to reduce the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer in patients after diagnosis, including eating cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli, certain leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, etc.) tomatoes, and olive oil, and avoiding foods such as whole milk and red and processed meats. With this recipe, you’ll adhere to these nutrition goals by getting your fill of tomatoes cooked in olive oil and opting for skinless poultry instead of red meat.

We recommend cooking a batch of Brussels sprouts as a delicious side with this main dish. Adding just a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper to your sprouts and roasting them is an easy way to make them shine. Bake some sweet potatoes as an additional side and your meal is ready!

Pesto and Tomato Chicken
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 6 oz cocktail tomatoes OR 2-3 medium to large tomatoes, cut into ¼–½ inch slices
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • Pesto (homemade or store-bought)

To serve:

  • 1½ cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

  1. Pat chicken dry and cut lengthwise in half to make it thinner. Season the chicken on both sides with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté tomatoes until soft and blistered. Once cooked, remove the tomatoes and place them on a plate. Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the garlic and stir until golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to the plate with the tomatoes. Set aside.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and place the chicken in the pan. Sauté until golden on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Flip and cook for 5 more minutes, then cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a platter or plates and pour the pan juices over it. Spoon pesto on top and arrange the cooked tomatoes and garlic around the chicken.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Adapted from Susan Spungen’s NYT Cooking Recipe, Chicken Caprese

Recipes on the Prostate Cancer Foundation website are offered for general interest on healthier cooking. They have not been reviewed by a nutritionist or other qualified health professional, and do not constitute medical or dietary advice or recommendations. Always talk to your health care provider to obtain personalized diagnosis and treatment advice, including your specific dietary needs.