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Pesto chicken skillet dish served in a pan, garnished with fresh basil and pine nuts.

Pesto Chicken Skillet

A quick and easy Pesto Chicken Skillet recipe that combines tender chicken with rich, flavorful pesto for a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken The star of our show! Tender and juicy.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil A must for cooking; adds richness and helps with browning.
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt Enhances the natural flavors; adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder For a delightful hint of garlic flavor.
  • 0.5 cup pesto The magic potion that turns chicken into a hearty meal.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cut the chicken into cubes (about 1 inch cubes).
  3. Place the chicken cubes into a large bowl.
  4. Add olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, and stir well to coat.
Cooking
  1. Turn the heat up to medium-high, then add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer.
  2. Cook for 5 minutes without moving the chicken to ensure a perfect sear.
  3. After 5 minutes, stir the chicken, then cook for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the pesto and stir well to coat.
Serving
  1. Serve hot or cold, over rice, in a salad, or by itself.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish freezes well too. You can customize it for various dietary preferences.