I’ll never forget the first time I made Pesto Chicken for my family. It was a rainy Sunday, and my husband Mark had just finished a long week at work. Our kids, Emma and Lucas, were restless, bickering over toys in the living room.

I wanted to create something comforting, something that would bring us all together at the table with smiles. As I rummaged through the fridge, I spotted a jar of homemade pesto I’d made earlier that week. Inspiration struck!

The kitchen soon filled with the aroma of basil and garlic as I coated the chicken. Mark wandered in, sniffing the air, and grinned, “What magic are you cooking now, Em?” Emma and Lucas peeked in, curious, their earlier squabbles forgotten.

📄 View Recipe Card

Pesto Chicken Magic: Savor This Zesty, Juicy Delight

---

⭐ Rate this recipe: What did you think?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

👨‍🍳 Author: Emily Morgan

🌍 Cuisine: General

🍰 Category: Dinner

Ingredients:

01

2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes

02

2 Tbsp olive oil

03

Salt and pepper (to taste)

04

4 chicken breasts

05

1 tsp garlic powder

06

1 tsp paprika

07

2 Tbsp olive oil (for skillet)

08

1/2 onion, diced

09

2 cloves garlic, minced

10

1/2 cup basil pesto

11

1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

Step 02

Toss tomatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Roast until blistered, about 20 min.

Step 03

Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken ~5 min per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 05

In same skillet, cook diced onion until caramelized. Add minced garlic; cook 30 sec until fragrant.

Step 06

Stir in pesto and cream; bring to a simmer.

Step 07

Return chicken and roasted tomatoes to skillet. Simmer a few minutes to heat through.

Step 08

Serve immediately—great over pasta, rice, couscous, or veggies.

---

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in a comment below! I love hearing your results. 💬

Follow me on social media for more delicious recipes!

When we finally sat down, the creamy, herbaceous flavors of the dish had everyone asking for seconds. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a moment of warmth on a dreary day.

That’s the beauty of Pesto Chicken—it’s simple yet feels so special. It’s become a staple in our home, a recipe I turn to when I want to remind my family how much I love them through food.

I’m thrilled to share this heartwarming dish with you today, hoping it brings the same joy to your table as it does to ours.

Pesto Chicken

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

There’s something magical about Pesto Chicken that makes it a standout in any kitchen. It combines vibrant flavors with ease of preparation, turning a regular dinner into a delightful experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation.

• Rich Flavor: The blend of basil, garlic, and Parmesan in pesto creates a savory depth that elevates simple chicken into a gourmet treat.
• Quick to Make: With minimal prep and cooking time, Pesto Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal fast.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies—Pesto Chicken adapts to whatever you have on hand for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Its creamy, herby taste appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner table.

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken

Creating a delicious Pesto Chicken starts with fresh, quality ingredients. You likely have most of these in your kitchen already, and they come together to make a flavorful dish.

• 2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for skillet)
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Step-by-Step with Emily: Making Pesto Chicken

Let’s dive into crafting this mouthwatering Pesto Chicken. Follow these easy steps to bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
2. Toss tomatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Roast until blistered, about 20 min.
3. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken ~5 min per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. In same skillet, cook diced onion until caramelized. Add minced garlic; cook 30 sec until fragrant.
6. Stir in pesto and cream; bring to a simmer.
7. Return chicken and roasted tomatoes to skillet. Simmer a few minutes to heat through.
8. Serve immediately—great over pasta, rice, couscous, or veggies.

Emily’s Tried & True Cooking Tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Pesto Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Choosing Pesto: Homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works well too. Look for vibrant green color and avoid overly oily options.
• Chicken Texture: Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy results.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out while keeping the flavor balanced and rich.

Creative Twists & Swaps for Pesto Chicken

Want to mix things up? Try these variations to customize your Pesto Chicken and keep your meals exciting with new flavors.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for thick slices of zucchini or eggplant. Coat with pesto and grill or bake for a hearty, meat-free dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creamy, herby pesto flavors.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds over the finished dish for extra crunch and a nod to classic pesto ingredients.

Serving Ideas for Pesto Chicken à la Emily

Pairing this dish with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve Pesto Chicken for a balanced plate.

If you’re interested in more recipes, feel free to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram!

Emily’s Kitchen Reflections

Cooking Pesto Chicken always reminds me of rainy days and family laughter. I hope it creates special moments for you too. Drop a comment with your experience or share your favorite side to pair with it—I’d love to hear!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)