Trader Joe's pesto chicken in the air fryer is an amazing weeknight dinner go-to. This pre-marinated pesto chicken breast from Trader Joe's is wonderfully seasoned with a herby, garlic pesto sauce. It's simple to cook in the air fryer and it can be on your table in just 12 minutes.

As a huge Trader Joe's fan, i of course have more recipesi tried to make in the air fryer. Try Trader Joe’s breaded chicken air fryer and Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese bites in air fryer. So good!

sliced trader joe's pesto chicken on cutting board

Trader Joe's has so many convenient and delicious lunch and dinner choices. I love to grab packages of pre-marinated chicken from them because there's nothing better on busy weeknights than having something quick and easy to make for dinner.

This TJ's pesto Genovese chicken breast cooked in the air fryer requires barely any prework. You simply put it in the air fryer and in literally 12 minutes it is ready to serve with pasta, rice, or your favorite side salad.

Just like that, dinner is on the table and you don't even have to worry about it. It's always juicy and tender and because it's cooked in the air fryer it has a nice crisp exterior that tastes fabulous.

How to make Trader Joe's pesto chicken breast

Before you start, preheat your air fryer. Turn it on and set the temperature to 380°F. Allow it to run empty for about 3-5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, take the Trader Joe's Pesto Chicken out of its packaging. If there are large clumps of pesto on the chicken, spread them out a bit for a more even flavor.

the only recipe ingredient, in the plastic package

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, though this is optional. Place the pesto chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overlapping. This will help in cooking each piece uniformly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. I had to cook in two batches.

Once the air fryer is preheated, slide the basket in and set the timer for 12 minutes. It's crucial for hot air to circulate freely around the chicken pieces, so they cook evenly. Around the 6-minute mark, pause the air fryer and carefully open it. Using tongs or a spatula, gently turn over each piece of chicken, making sure both sides get an even cooking.

After the 12-minute cooking time, pull out the basket and check one of the larger pieces of chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F. If it hasn't, you can cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.

raw chicken breast pieces with pesto sauce in the air fryer

Once they're perfectly cooked, carefully remove the pesto chicken from the air fryer basket and place them on a serving plate. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Finally, serve your Trader Joe's Pesto Chicken with a side of your choice, be it a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or pasta.

Remember, air fryer models can differ in their heat distribution, so it's always good to keep an eye on your chicken to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Easy air fryer recipe

The air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen appliances and it's my go-to way to prepare many of Trader Joe's products. I love how easy it is to use and how crisp but incredibly tender and juicy my food turns out.

This pesto chicken is great in the air fryer because it's ready in just a few minutes with little active work, compared to having to stand over a hot stove or grill.

If you have a particularly busy week coming up with work or school, grab a couple of these packages of pesto chicken from Trader Joe's because they make wonderful meal prep.

Pro tips

Make sure like with any chicken that you are cooking, it has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you serve it. Use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the breast to check.

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Allow your chicken to sit for 5 - 10 minutes before slicing into it to ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender. This helps to keep the juices from running out too quickly leaving the meat dry.

If you are making Trader Joe's pesto chicken in the air fryer for a crowd, work in batches. This helps to prevent your chicken cutlets from steaming and it will help them to cook more evenly.

4 pieces of cooked pesto chicken breast in air fryer

What to serve with this chicken

Pesto chicken is a flavorful main dish that can really go with almost any side dish. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this air fryer chicken dinner.

With pasta and alfredo sauce.
Alongside a garden salad served with garlic bread
With pesto pasta and cherry tomatoes.
Serve with freshly steamed white or brown rice.
Spaghetti and marinara sauce.
Or with crispy potatoes or french fries.

sliced trader joe's pesto chicken breast in air fryer

Variations

Cook the chicken with cherry or grape tomatoes to give a burst of sweet juicy flavor.

If you love pesto and have a jar or container of fresh pesto on hand, cook your chicken with extra pesto. You could also serve the chicken with a dollop to increase the pesto flavor of this chicken.

Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with grated parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese before cooking in the air fryer for an extra cheesy and delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions

What is pesto chicken made of?

This is a dish made of chicken breast cutlets marinaded with a pesto sauce made of basil, parsley, cheese, walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, and seasonings.

What goes with pesto chicken?

Pesto chicken can be paired with almost any side dish for lunch or dinner. A few great ways to serve it are with spaghetti and tomato sauce, on top of a salad, or with steamed rice.

sliced trader joe's pesto chicken breasts in air fryer

Storage suggestions

If you find yourself with leftover pesto chicken, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days.

When its time to reheat, the best way is to in the air fryer or oven. Set your air fryer to 350°F and reheat for about 5 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. They can be a fantastic addition to salads, wraps, or even on a sandwich with some lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Trader Joe's Pesto Chicken Air Fryer

Yield: 4 oz per serving

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients

1 package Trader Joe's pesto chicken
oil spray

Instructions

Preheat air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 380 degrees.
Take the chicken out of the package. Arrange pieces in one layer in air fryer basket.
Cook for 12 minutes at 380 degrees. Flip once half way though cooking.

Notes

Make sure like with any chicken that you are cooking, it has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you serve it. Use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the breast to check.
Allow your chicken to sit for 5 - 10 minutes before slicing into it to ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender. This helps to keep the juices from running out too quickly leaving the meat dry.
If you are making Trader Joe's pesto chicken in the air fryer for a crowd, work in batches. This helps to prevent your chicken cutlets from steaming and it will help them to cook more evenly.