Easy Baked Pesto Chicken

I have been compensated by Glucerna for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own. Talk with your health care provider about a diabetes management plan that’s right for you. #GlucernaChallenge #CollectiveBias #Ad

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to recipes – Baked Pesto Chicken (along with a homemade pesto sauce), a great meal for the entire family, including those watching their carbs.

Why is my family watching their carbs?

It’s been almost one year since my husband’s diagnosis of Type II Diabetes. As I look back over these past months, there have been many challenges, but we’ve accomplished so much.

“We”.

I don’t say that word lightly. “We” are in this together.

I remember that vow…”in sickness and in health”.

To be honest, one of the biggest challenges that I’ve faced is finding balance for the whole family, discovering meals that are ideal for a diabetic yet fulfilling for a growing 9-year old girl – and easy to make. I’ll admit that I like things easy in the kitchen on crazy weeknights.

For the last three months, my husband has been participating in the 3 month GlucernaⓇ Challenge. This past month I actually decided to join him in that. With diabetes on both sides of our family, there is no reason NOT to work on maintaining blood sugar.

Teaming up with Glucerna® and using their products has become part of our routine. First, they help manage hunger throughout the day.  Second, they are designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes – so important as consistent blood sugar is key for any diabetic patient.

Glucerna® products are a part of our plan, along with diet and exercise. This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is one that everyone will enjoy and can be adapted based on diabetic needs too. I will show you how.

Easy Baked Pesto Chicken

4 Chicken Breasts
OPTIONAL – Panko Crumbs
For the Fresh Pesto:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 cup Pine Nuts
3 garlic cloves minced (or 3 tsp minced garlic)
salt and pepper to taste

To make the pesto:

In food processor, pulse the basil and pine nuts together.
Next, add in the garlic and cheese, pulsing and scraping the sides as needed.
While running the food processor, slowly add in the olive oil in steady stream.

(NOTE: You’ll want to refrigerate any leftover pesto that you don’t use with this recipe)

To make the chicken:
Heat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare a baking dish by spraying lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Place chicken in baking dish.
Optional: Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Spread pesto on top of each chicken breast.

OPTIONAL: Sprinkle panko crumbs on top of the pesto.

Panko Crumbs add that crunch to the chicken which the family will love, but you can adapt this based on what your family wants/needs. Or you can simple make some chicken breasts without the extra crumbs or with just a light sprinkling of crumbs to save on carbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until chicken is done.

It’s delicious!

Our favorite Glucerna® products are the HungerSmart™ Shakes and Glucerna® Mini Snacks, which each feature CARBSTEADY®, scientifically formulated to help minimize blood sugar spikes*.

For that crucial afternoon snack, we have Glucerna® Mini Snacks with 3 grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugars. These help maintain his blood sugar level until dinner, where I can provide him a low carb meal, like the Baked Pesto Chicken or the Low Carb Deconstructed Baked Salmon Salad I shared with you last month.

I easily find all our favorite Glucerna® products at my local Walmart store and you can too. You can also shop for them online, which is sometimes easier to do with our crazy schedules.

I’m proud to be partnering with Glucerna® for this 3 month challenge, but more importantly, I’m grateful for the fact that these products give my husband and diabetic patients everywhere a nutritious and well balanced snack or meal option. Learn more about Glucerna® products and take the challenge with us!

Do you have any loved ones who are diabetic or prediabetic?

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*Use under medical supervision. Do consult with your healthcare provider or nutritionist regarding which diet / lifestyle is appropriate for your condition.

**Compared to high glycemic carbohydrates.

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