This Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken and a luscious creamy pesto sauce that’s simply irresistible! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for quick cooking. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. They will add a bit of extra flavor, too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them before adding.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, go for half-and-half or even coconut milk as a dairy-free option.
Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade gives a fresh flavor. If you dislike basil, consider sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto as alternatives!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty flavor to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can be a great cheese substitute!
How Do You Make Sure The Chicken Stays Juicy?
Cooking chicken perfectly is all about temperature and timing. Here are some tips to keep your chicken juicy and tender:
- Start with chicken at room temperature; it cooks more evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook chicken in batches if necessary!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through (165°F or 75°C) without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve delicious, juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (some can be left whole)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or dried basil
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe will take approximately 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and seasoning the chicken, and around 20 minutes cooking it all together. Perfect for a delightful dinner without too much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely. Next, season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs for flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Make sure to stir it so it doesn’t burn!
4. Adding the Cream:
Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom.
5. Mixing in the Goodness:
Next, stir in the basil pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, which will allow the tomatoes to soften a bit. Yum!
6. Combining Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over them. Let everything cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat it all through and thicken the sauce slightly.
7. Final Touches:
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
8. Serving:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. This dish is fantastic over cooked pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken!
This recipe creates a rich, flavorful meal with tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a creamy pesto sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil for Garnish?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can skip it or substitute with a sprinkle of dried basil on top. It won’t be as vibrant but will still add great flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Enjoy your tasty meal again!
