Chicken Pesto and Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant Chicken Pesto and Rice recipe, a one-pan wonder that bursts with the bold flavors of fresh basil pesto, juicy chicken, and tender garlic-infused rice. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy and satisfying dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with fluffy white rice simmered in savory chicken broth for maximum flavor. Tossed with velvety pesto and topped with sweet cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fragrant fresh basil, this meal is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for guests, this recipe delivers irresistible taste with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for fans of quick, flavorful meals that bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the garlic and oil.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, slice the cooked chicken into strips.
Once the rice is done cooking, stir in the basil pesto and mix until the rice is well coated.
Top the rice with the sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
711 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.1 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 1259 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 41.5 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 321 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 787 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
