Easy Pesto Chicken Skillet for Quick Dinners

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and ready in a snap, this Pesto Chicken Skillet is the perfect dish for you. Whip up a flavorful Pesto Chicken Skillet in minutes—perfect for quick dinners that are both easy and delicious. This one-pan meal brings together tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and just the right touch of garlic and cheese, making it a dinner winner any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners stress-free and fast.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked right in one skillet.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Pesto adds bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Meal: Easily pairs with pasta, veggies, or salad for a balanced plate.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the heart of this Pesto Chicken Skillet, each chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken breasts to the bright green pesto, every component plays a key role in this easy meal.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Store-bought pesto: Convenient and packed with basil, garlic, and pine nuts for rich flavor.
• Olive oil: For sautéing chicken and boosting flavor without overpowering.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to add an aromatic punch.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved and added for sweetness and a pop of color.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts beautifully and adds a savory touch.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, to intensify the herbal aroma and vibrant look.

Variations for Pesto Chicken Skillet

This Pesto Chicken Skillet is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, dietary preferences, or just for a new twist on a favorite dish. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or tofu as a tasty alternative to chicken.
• Dairy-free version: Skip the Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Veggie boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Nut-free pesto: Make or buy pesto without pine nuts for allergy-friendly cooking.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This seals in juices and layers in basic, essential flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Reduce heat to medium, add a touch more olive oil if needed, and toss in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 4: Stir in Pesto

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the pesto over the top. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken and warm the pesto, about 1-2 minutes. This locks in that vibrant, herbaceous flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Basil

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and let it melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finishing touch and extra freshness.

Pro Tips for Making Pesto Chicken Skillet

• Use room temperature chicken: This helps the chicken cook evenly without drying out.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give the chicken room to brown properly instead of steaming.
• Quality pesto matters: Fresh, high-quality store-bought or homemade pesto makes a huge flavor difference.
• Rest the chicken: Letting cooked chicken rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy.
• Adjust pesto amount: Add more or less pesto depending on how saucy you like your dish.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a natural companion to this skillet dish, adding a fragrant brightness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the final presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This meal shines alongside a variety of sides—from pillowy mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to a simple arugula salad or garlic-roasted veggies. Even crusty bread for mopping up leftover pesto sauce is a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Pesto Chicken Skillet over cooked pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. Layer it atop a bed of quinoa or farro to add a hearty grain element. For a low-carb option, pair with roasted cauliflower rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Pesto Chicken Skillet into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a tasty next-day meal or lunch.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, then store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and pesto fresh. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

Homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, but a high-quality store-bought pesto can save time and still deliver delicious results.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.

What sides pair best with Pesto Chicken Skillet?

Try serving with pasta, steamed vegetables, salads, or grains like quinoa or rice for a balanced meal.

Can I prepare the pesto chicken skillet in advance?

You can prep ingredients beforehand and store them separately, then quickly assemble and cook the dish when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Chicken Skillet is one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again—simple, quick, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, it’s a delightful and satisfying choice. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious meal that never disappoints.

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