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Pesto Chicken Skillet

Pesto Chicken Skillet
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This Pesto Chicken Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with vibrant pesto, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a fresh and herbaceous dinner option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights. With minimal cleanup and versatile serving options, this dish is loved by the whole family and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 3 tablespoons store-bought pesto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking without drying out.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet; give chicken space to brown properly instead of steaming.
  • Choose high-quality pesto for the best flavor impact.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
  • Adjust pesto amount to your preferred sauciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken, skillet recipe, quick dinner, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe, gluten free, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/pesto-chicken-skillet/