Easy Pesto Chicken Skillet for Quick Dinners

If you’re searching for a delicious and effortless weeknight meal, the Pesto Chicken Skillet is here to save your dinner plans. This recipe combines tender chicken with vibrant pesto sauce, creating a meal that’s packed with fresh, bold flavors and ready in just minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or a quick solo dinner, this skillet dish is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become your go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Efficient: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Flavor Explosion: The bright basil pesto adds a punch of herbal freshness to every bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required because everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh herbs, it fits well into balanced diets.
• Family-Friendly: This kid-approved dish satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry about hunting for complicated ingredients—this Pesto Chicken Skillet sticks to essentials that complement each other perfectly. Each item brings texture, flavor, or color that makes this dish shine.

• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and juicy results.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps perfectly sear the chicken.
• Basil Pesto: The star of the dish, offering fresh, herbal, and slightly nutty flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with juicy sweetness, adding color and freshness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts delightfully over the chicken, creating a creamy finish.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses a subtle pungency to elevate the overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
• Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a bright, fresh garnish.

Variations for Pesto Chicken Skillet

Feel free to make this Pesto Chicken Skillet your own by tweaking ingredients to match what you have on hand or dietary preferences. It’s surprisingly adaptable!

• Swap Proteins: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different but equally delicious version.
• Use Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: For a deeper, tangier pesto flavor if you love robust tastes.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be tossed in for extra nutrients and variety.
• Go Dairy-Free: Skip the mozzarella and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to build a flavorful base before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Push the chicken to the sides of the skillet and add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes; cook until fragrant and tomatoes soften.

Step 4: Stir in the Pesto

Lower the heat, spoon in the basil pesto evenly over the chicken and tomatoes, coating everything in the vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Melt

Top each chicken breast with slices or shredded mozzarella, cover the skillet, and allow the cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top before plating for a bright and aromatic finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Pro Tips for Making Pesto Chicken Skillet

• Choose Fresh Pesto: Using fresh basil pesto rather than jarred will elevate the flavor tremendously.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep an eye on cooking times to ensure tender, juicy results every time.
• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: It promotes even cooking and browning without hot spots.
• Let Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest a few minutes to lock in juices.
• Customize Cheese: Swap mozzarella for burrata or goat cheese for different textures and tastes.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil add freshness and enhance the pesto’s herbal notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this skillet meal with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or simple roasted vegetables to round out dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve over a bed of creamy polenta, fluffy quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for a hearty, comforting presentation that soaks up every bit of the pesto sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, the cooked chicken and pesto mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken and preserve the sauce’s vibrant taste.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works well in this recipe, though fresh homemade pesto will impart a more vibrant flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Pesto Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pesto, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Can I make this dish with chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result; just adjust cooking time slightly as they take longer to cook.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild by default but can be easily made spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce during cooking or as a garnish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the pesto and chop the tomatoes in advance to make the cooking process even quicker when it’s time to cook.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a simple, flavorful dish that comes together quickly yet tastes like you put in hours of love—that’s exactly what this Pesto Chicken Skillet delivers. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe will excite your taste buds and please the whole family. Give it a try and see how easy delicious can be!

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