Pesto Chicken RECIPE
Creamy pesto chicken is a savory and quick dish that pairs tender chicken with a luxuriously smooth, basil-infused sauce. This Italian-American fusion recipe creates a perfect blend of creamy, herby goodness that coats every bite. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s ideal for both casual weeknights and elegant gatherings.
What makes this creamy pesto chicken so delightful is its simplicity and balance of flavors. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, then enveloped in a sauce made from garlic, tomatoes, heavy cream, and basil pesto. The bright acidity of tomatoes contrasts with the richness of the cream, while pesto adds a burst of fragrant freshness. Each bite is a reminder of why this dish remains a favorite among pesto lovers.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting meal, creamy pesto chicken delivers on every level. Pair it with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, and you have a wholesome, complete meal that’s bound to be a hit.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Heavy cream – Adds richness and creates a silky base for the pesto sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Provides tender, juicy bites that absorb the creamy pesto flavors.
- Grape tomatoes – Bursting with sweet acidity, they balance the richness of the cream.
- Garlic – Lends a warm, savory depth to the sauce.
- Pesto – Brings in a vibrant, herby flavor that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection and bring out the flavors in the garlic and tomatoes.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken: Step-by-Step
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin fillets, then halve each piece for four portions. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the chicken and cook until golden on each side and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes in total. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the remaining olive oil, then add minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the heavy cream and pesto, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. Let the sauce gently simmer and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
- Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, turning each piece to coat in the creamy pesto sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to reheat the chicken and blend flavors.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Use Fresh Pesto: Fresh pesto gives the most vibrant flavor. If you’re using store-bought pesto, choose a high-quality brand for the best taste.
- Don’t Rush the Tomatoes: Allowing the tomatoes to soften and break down adds depth to the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
- Adjust Thickness of Sauce: For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
- Serve Over Pasta or Rice: This creamy sauce pairs well with pasta or rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Delicious Variations
For a twist on this classic, consider adding a handful of spinach or fresh basil just before serving for extra color and flavor. You could also swap grape tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter, more intense tomato flavor. Alternatively, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a hint of acidity that complements the creaminess.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store, place any leftover creamy pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely to prevent splatters, and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream sauce but makes excellent leftovers to enjoy over the next few days.
Enjoy this creamy pesto chicken as an irresistible, comforting meal that’s quick to make but big on flavor!
Pesto Chicken Recipe
Zutaten
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb. total)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
Anleitungen
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two thin fillets or pound them to an even thickness, then divide each breast in half to make four portions. Sprinkle both sides of each piece with salt and pepper.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, coating the surface. Lay the chicken pieces in the skillet, cooking until both sides are golden and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes in total. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and break down.
- Pour in the heavy cream and pesto, stirring to combine with the tomatoes. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, then taste and season with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece in the creamy pesto sauce. Simmer for a few minutes more to warm the chicken through. Serve hot.