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Pesto Chicken Skillet

Pesto Chicken Skillet
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Pesto Chicken Skillet is a quick, vibrant one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers herby, garlicky brightness and comforting Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or fuss-free dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs

Sauce & Flavor

  • 1/2 cup green basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Cooking Essentials

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant aroma.
  3. Add the pesto and cream: Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the green basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and smooth with an even pesto distribution.
  4. Simmer the chicken in the sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pesto sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, absorbing the herby flavors.
  5. Finish with cheese and serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the sauce. Serve directly from the skillet for a simple yet delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto for the best flavor; store-bought is a convenient alternative.
  • Monitor chicken cooking time closely to keep it juicy and avoid dryness.
  • Balance the richness of cream with the acidity of cherry tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
  • If adding nuts, toast separately in a dry pan to enhance crunch and aroma.
  • Allow the skillet to rest a few minutes before serving to meld flavors and ease plating.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken, one-pan dinner, quick chicken skillet, basil pesto chicken, weeknight dinner, Mediterranean recipe

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