Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Pesto chicken and veggies are smothered in a dairy free basil pesto sauce and baked in the oven in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and Paleo, Whole30, and Keto too!

Making Pesto Chicken and Veggies

This pesto chicken and veggies combo is so delicious and perfect for summer. The chicken comes out of the oven so juicy and tender along with the fresh zucchini and tomatoes.

For the pesto sauce you should make my homemade dairy free spinach pesto, but if you are short on time feel free to buy the store bought pesto (it just won’t be as flavorful).

If you are buying pesto from the store, it will be in the refrigerated section. Make sure you look at the ingredient label when buying it to see if there are any sneaky ingredients like canola oil, sunflower oil, and preservatives.

Honestly I have a hard time finding quality pesto (especially that’s dairy free) at my local grocery stores, so that is why I make my own.

How To Make Homemade Pesto

You can easily make homemade pesto in just 5 minutes with a food processor or blender, and with ingredients you already have in your pantry, or garden (if you grow basil).

Ingredients:

• 2 cups packed basil leaves, about 2 large bunches
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup raw pine nuts OR walnuts, almonds, pecans
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine basil leaves, spinach, pine nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor and process until ingredients are very finely chopped.
2. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl and add the olive oil. Process again until a smooth paste has formed (about 15 seconds).
3. Taste and adjust. Taste the pesto and add more salt, pepper, or garlic as needed.
4. Store pesto in a small container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

After you make the pesto, you can go ahead and slather it over the chicken and veggies. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the veggies are perfectly tender.

I recommend using an instant read thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken at 25 minutes. You don’t want to over cook it. When the chicken is done cooking I topped mine with some extra fresh basil.

Recipe Variations

Chicken: you can swap the drumsticks for chicken thighs, or breast. I recommend using the skin on for dark meat and if you want a lighter dish you can use chicken breast. Be sure to cook breast no longer than 165-170 degrees, as breast can dry out quicker.

Veggies: swap out the zucchini and tomatoes for asparagus, yellow squash, bell peppers, broccoli, green beans or onions.

More Healthy Recipes With Pesto:

• 5-Minute Dairy Free Spinach Pesto (Paleo, Whole30)
• Crispy Air Fryer Pesto Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30)
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet (Paleo, Whole30)

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