Pesto Ranch Chicken – Plain Chicken

Pesto Ranch Chicken Recipe – so easy to make and it tastes great! Only 5 ingredients in the marinade – olive oil, Ranch, pesto sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. We always double the recipe and there are never any leftovers! Such a delicious quick and easy chicken recipe!

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Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade

This Pesto Ranch Chicken has been on repeat at our house! We just can’t get enough of the flavors in this dish!  Tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, creamy ranch dressing, pesto sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Whether served alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes, this chicken is sure to become a favorite for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues.

How to Make Pesto Ranch Chicken

This dish is super simple to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, pesto sauce, fresh minced garlic (or garlic powder), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. 

Place boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Pour marinade over the chicken. Seal tightly and store in the fridge for 4-24 hours. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill/cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Helpful Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

• You can use this marinade on any cut of chicken– chicken breasts, chicken tenders, chicken thighs, chicken wings, or chicken drumsticks/legs.
  • You can use boneless or bone-in chicken. Adjust the cooking time to ensure an internal temperature of 165ºF.
• I suggest pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness. We put the chicken in a ziplock bag and use a flat meat mallet to pound out the hump carefully. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and you don’t have juicy chicken and half-dry chicken.
• I don’t have a grill. Can I cook the chicken in the oven or skillet? Yes! To cook the chicken breasts inside, pan-sear it for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Place in a baking dish. Bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing: https://www.plainchicken.com/copycat-outback-ranch-dressing/
• My favorite store-bought pesto is Rao’s.
• For an extra indulgent meal, top the chicken with mozzarella cheese and/or parmesan cheese.
• Can I freeze Pesto Chicken? Yes! You can freeze the chicken uncooked or cooked.
  • Prepare the marinade. Place the chicken in a freezer bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook.
  • To freeze cooked chicken, cool completely and place in a freezer bag and freeze. Thaw and reheat in the microwave.
  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Leftovers are great tossed with al dente pasta or in a salad.

What to Serve with Pesto Chicken

This pesto chicken recipe has quickly earned a spot in our dinner rotation. I usually double the recipe so we can eat leftovers during the week. When it comes to what to serve alongside the chicken, I have some delicious ideas for you:

• For a fresh and vibrant option, serve alongside a crisp garden salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a balsamic vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. 
• If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider pairing with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic herb roasted potatoes, adding a comforting element to the meal. 
• For a lighter option, grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and red peppers offer a nutritious and flavorful addition. 
• For a low-carb option, consider spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles. 

With these delicious accompaniments, this chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family! Looking for more side dish ideas? Here are some popular recipes from the website:

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Pesto Ranch Grilled Chicken

Yield: 4 people

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Pesto Ranch Chicken Recipe – so easy to make and it tastes great! Only 5 ingredients in the marinade – olive oil, Ranch, pesto sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. We always double the recipe and there are never any leftovers! Such a delicious quick and easy chicken recipe!

• In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, pesto, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes.

• Pound chicken breast to 1/4″ thickness. Place chicken in the gallon size ziplock bag, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours to overnight.

• Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.

• You can use this marinade on any cut of chicken– chicken breasts, chicken tenders, chicken thighs, chicken wings, or chicken drumsticks/legs.
  • You can use boneless or bone-in chicken. Adjust the cooking time to ensure an internal temperature of 165ºF.
• I suggest pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness. We put the chicken in a ziplock bag and use a flat meat mallet to pound out the hump carefully. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and you don’t have juicy chicken and half-dry chicken.
• I don’t have a grill. Can I cook the chicken in the oven or skillet? Yes! To cook the chicken breasts inside, pan-sear it for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Place in a baking dish. Bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing: https://www.plainchicken.com/copycat-outback-ranch-dressing/
  • You can also make your own ranch dressing with ranch seasoning packets.
• My favorite store-bought pesto is Rao’s.
• For an extra indulgent meal, top the chicken with mozzarella cheese and/or parmesan cheese.
• Can I freeze Pesto Chicken? Yes! You can freeze the chicken uncooked or cooked.
  • Prepare the marinade. Place the chicken in a freezer bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook.
  • To freeze cooked chicken, cool completely and place in a freezer bag and freeze. Thaw and reheat in the microwave.
  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Leftovers are great tossed with al dente pasta or in a salad.

Steph