I recently made a tasty pesto chicken and rice recipe, and I want to share it with you! It’s an easy meal that’s great for busy weeknights or quick family dinners. The mix of tender chicken, fresh pesto, and fluffy rice creates a dish that is both delicious and comforting. Plus, it’s a healthy choice, packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the pesto. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your loved ones, this recipe is sure to please.

Where is this popular recipe from?

The Pesto chicken recipe comes from Italy because of the tasty pesto sauce. Pesto is a classic Italian sauce from the Mediterranean. It uses fresh ingredients like basil and olive oil. While it is popular in Italy, people worldwide love it. This is because it is both delicious and versatile.

Why will you love this recipe?

I love this recipe because it is easy to make. You don’t need many fancy ingredients. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes. This makes it great for busy weeknights. The mix of chicken, pesto, and rice gives you a balanced meal. It has protein, carbs, and healthy fats all in one bowl. Plus, the fresh pesto makes everything taste delicious.

Here is the list of everything you need to make pesto chicken and rice. I have kept the quantities simple, so that any beginner can easily understand it.

Chicken breast or thigh (boneless, skinless): 2 pieces, about 300-350 grams
Pesto (fresh or store bought): ¼ cup
Rice (white, brown or basmati): 1 cup raw rice
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Minced Garlic: 2 cloves
Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (halved)
Spinach: 1 cup (fresh, washed)

Cook the rice:

First, take 1 cup of rice and cook it in 2 cups of water. You can use a rice cooker or a pot on the stove. Bring the water to a boil. Then, add the rice and reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat until the rice is soft. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Prepare the chicken:
While rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring with your spatula so they cook evenly.
If you want extra flavor, add chopped garlic to the pan while the chicken is cooking. This adds a delicious aroma and flavor.
Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the color is golden-brown.

Add the pesto:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup of the pesto sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated in the pesto. You can use your spatula to mix everything together.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the pesto and combine the flavors.

Combine the rice and chicken:
Now that the rice is ready, gently fluff it with a fork. Place the rice on a plate or bowl and top with the pesto chicken. You can also make an all-in-one dish by combining the rice and chicken together in a skillet.

Optional Vegetables
If you want to add some veggies (like spinach, cherry tomatoes or broccoli), now is the time. Add them and mix everything together.

Simmer for flavor
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend completely, making the dish even more delicious. Now Your pesto chicken and rice is ready to be served.

Serving Suggestions

You can make this meal even better with some simple sides and toppings:

• Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad with an olive oil and lemon dressing goes great with this dish. It adds crunch and balances out the richness of the pesto.
• Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra pesto sauce. Delicious!
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini or bell peppers are a great addition. They add color and make the meal even healthier.

Health Benefits of Pesto Chicken and Rice

Lean Protein:
Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein. Protein is vital for your muscles—it helps them grow and repair. After a workout or just a busy day, your body will thank you for eating lean chicken.

Healthy Fats:
The pesto sauce, which is made from olive oil and nuts, provides healthy fats. These fats are good for your heart and help keep your skin and hair looking good. Olive oil is known for its heart-healthy qualities.

Whole Grains (if using brown rice):
If you choose brown rice, you’re eating whole grains, which aid digestion. Brown rice is high in fiber, which keeps your stomach happy, and it gives you energy for a long time. This means you won’t feel hungry again soon after eating.

Antioxidants:
Basil, the main ingredient in pesto, is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are like superheroes that fight off bad things in your body. They help keep your immune system strong, so you don’t get sick as easily.

Vitamins and nutrients:
If you decide to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli or cherry tomatoes, you’ll get lots of extra vitamins and fiber. For example, spinach is rich in iron, which helps keep your blood strong, and broccoli is rich in vitamin C, which helps your body fight off infections.

I love this skillet pesto chicken and rice recipe because not only is it delicious, but it’s also super healthy. The chicken gives you lean protein, the pesto gives you healthy fats, and if you add veggies and brown rice, you get a balanced meal full of nutrients.

What problem do I face with these recipes?

Problem 1: Rice too mushy
This happens when you use too much water or cook the rice too long.

Solution: Use the right rice-to-water ratio and cook the rice separately from the chicken. If the rice is already mushy, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.

Problem 2: Chicken too dry
If you cook the chicken too long, it can dry out.

Solution: Keep an eye on the cooking time and don’t overcook the chicken. You can also marinate the chicken for extra moisture or add a little olive oil while cooking.

Problem 3: Pesto too oily
Some pesto sauces can be too oily, making the dish seem greasy.

Solution: Use less amount of pesto or make your own pesto with less oil. You can also add a little lemon juice to balance the oiliness.

Q) What is best to eat with pesto?

Pesto goes great with pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, sandwiches or spread on bread. It also adds flavor to dishes like pizza, salads and fish.