Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken with Quick Broccoli Pesto

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1 cup basil leaves, fresh
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. 03
   Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
4. 04
   Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
5. 05
   While the chicken is baking, prepare the broccoli pesto. In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
6. 06
   Season the pesto with salt to taste and set aside.
7. 07
   Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. 08
   Serve the chicken breasts with a generous dollop of broccoli pesto on top.