Turkey Free Pesto-Walnut Sheet-Pan Chicken with Broccoli & Carrots
Sheet-pan dinners are a weeknight lifesaver, and this one delivers serious flavor with almost no cleanup. A vibrant walnut pesto — made from scratch with fresh basil, raw walnuts, garlic, and a bright hit of lemon juice — gets pressed right onto each chicken breast before roasting, so every bite is herbaceous and rich. The broccoli and carrot coins roast alongside at 425°F until they're tender with those irresistible charred edges that make vegetables genuinely exciting. Because the whole dish is built around chicken rather than turkey, it's a completely safe and satisfying option for anyone navigating a turkey-free lifestyle without wanting to sacrifice a hearty, protein-packed meal. The staggered roasting method — carrots go in first, then broccoli and chicken join the pan — means everything finishes at the same time without any guesswork. A squeeze of lemon and a handful of torn fresh basil at the end pull the whole thing together with a freshness that makes it feel almost restaurant-worthy. It's the kind of recipe you'll find yourself coming back to on repeat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the walnut pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup raw walnuts
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the sheet pan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch coins
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- lemon wedges (optional)
- fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line an 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- 2
Make the pesto: combine the basil, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse 6–8 times until coarsely chopped, then stream in the 1/4 cup olive oil with the motor running and process until a thick, slightly chunky paste forms, about 30 seconds.
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