If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, this air fryer bbq chicken breast recipe is just what you need. With only two ingredients, it’s simple to whip up anytime you’re short on time or energy.
This recipe prevents chicken from drying out, simplifies preparation with few ingredients, and offers a quick cooking time for busy evenings.
I often struggle to cook chicken breasts without making them dry or boring. This recipe solves that problem with the flavorful touch of pesto, keeping the chicken juicy and delicious. Plus, it takes hardly any time, only 20 minutes from start to finish!
Cooking chicken in the air fryer is great because it cuts down on the mess and time compared to traditional methods. You’ll have tender chicken on your table in just 17 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights when everyone’s rushing.
If you want more tasty options, check out this Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast Recipe. It’s another quick dish that adds variety to your meals!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients , With just chicken and pesto, you can whip this up without a lengthy grocery list. It’s all about keeping it easy and delicious.
- Moist and Flavorful , The pesto adds an herbaceous kick, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. You’ll love how the flavor really shines through with minimal effort.
- Quick Cooking Time , Ready in just about 20 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for busy nights. You won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Great for Storage , Leftovers last up to three days in the fridge, making this a solid meal prep option. You can easily enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts since they cook up nice and juicy in the air fryer. If you’re feeling adventurous, chicken thighs work just as well!
- Pesto: Whether homemade or from the jar, pesto adds that herby goodness and keeps the chicken so flavorful. You can seriously swap it with any pesto you fancy!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If chicken tends to be dry, checking the inner temperature at 165°F with a meat thermometer helps guarantee juiciness.
- When pesto slides off more than sticks, drying the chicken with a paper towel first will help it adhere better.
- If you face uneven cook times, pounding chicken to about ¾ inch thick creates uniformity for even cooking throughout.
- If chicken remains undercooked after the recommended time, adding an extra 2-3 minutes at a time can ensure it’s fully cooked.
- For busy evenings, remember that this recipe’s quick cooking time paired with minimal ingredients makes it a flexible dinner option.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the air fryer BBQ chicken breast with pasta, salads, grilled vegetables, or rice. This chicken also works well in sandwiches or bowls filled with grains.
- Use this chicken for meal prep, adding it to wraps, tacos, or veggie-filled stir-fries. It complements various cuisines and can replace proteins in favorite dishes.
- Drizzle with your choice of BBQ sauce or serve with a spicy dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness to the dish.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your air fryer BBQ chicken breast fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it sealed tight.
- Freezing: Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Heat the chicken in an air fryer or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Enjoy hot!
Recipe Variations
- You can use chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Either store-bought or homemade pesto works well; both options deliver delicious taste.
- For larger servings, increase the ingredients to 2 lbs. of chicken and 1 cup of pesto.
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
2 Ingredient Air Fryer Pesto Chicken
This easy air fryer recipe combines chicken breasts with flavorful pesto for a quick, delicious meal!
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, boneless skinless (450g)
- ½ cup pesto (120ml) homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. This helps the pesto stick better and keeps the chicken from becoming slippery. Make sure they are really dry to avoid any pesto sliding off during cooking.
- Spoon the pesto over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You want your chicken to look green and zesty—that is a good sign! It is crucial to coat every inch to get that full flavor and avoid any bare spots.
- Place the pesto-coated chicken in your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook. Keep an eye on the timer, as thickness can change cooking times, so you might need to check for doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken, looking for an internal temperature that is safe. This ensures you avoid dry, overcooked chicken. It is super important to get this right, so do not skip the thermometer!
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. You will notice it looks much more succulent, and that resting time makes a difference. Slice it up and enjoy—your family will love this tasty dish!
Notes
Store cooked pesto chicken for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
If chicken tends to be dry, checking the internal temperature at 165 degrees F helps guarantee juiciness.
When pesto slides off more than sticks, drying the chicken with a paper towel first will help it adhere better.
If you face uneven cook times, pounding chicken to about 3/4 inch thick creates uniformity for even cooking throughout.
If chicken remains undercooked after the recommended time, adding an extra 2-3 minutes at a time can ensure it is fully cooked.
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