Simple and Flavorful Pesto Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights!

Pesto Chicken Skillet is the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and hearty comfort.

This quick and easy one-pan dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luscious pesto sauce and complemented by the vibrant taste of sautéed spinach.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option, this skillet recipe delivers everything you need in just one pan. The rich, herby aroma of basil pesto combined with the savory chicken will leave your taste buds craving more.

Best of all, it’s a nutritious dish that can be paired with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to make a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

For this easy Pesto Chicken Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose chicken breasts for a leaner, tender cut, or chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Pesto Sauce: You can use store-bought pesto sauce for convenience or make your own from scratch. The vibrant basil flavor in the pesto elevates the dish, creating a rich, herby base for the chicken.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the chicken and create a golden, crispy crust. It adds a subtle richness and is essential for cooking the chicken to perfection.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, savory depth of flavor that infuses the entire dish.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach not only brings a burst of color to the skillet but also adds a nutritional boost, making this dish both tasty and healthy.
• Parmesan Cheese: While optional, freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a creamy, umami finish that enhances the dish’s overall richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and pesto sauce.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This basic seasoning will enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the chicken’s juices and creates a flavorful crust. Once the chicken is golden and crispy on the outside, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Sauté

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic will infuse the oil, creating a flavorful base for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Add Pesto Sauce and Spinach

Once the garlic has sautéed to perfection, pour in your pesto sauce, stirring to coat the garlic and the skillet. As the pesto begins to heat through, add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts and turns a vibrant green.

The spinach will cook down quickly, providing a burst of nutrition and color to the dish. The pesto will infuse the spinach, creating a rich, herby flavor that coats every bite.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pesto sauce and spinach. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

You can use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This simmering process allows the chicken to absorb the flavor of the pesto sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Optional: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an added creamy, umami flavor. The melted cheese creates a beautiful contrast to the vibrant pesto and spinach. Serve the pesto chicken alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or rice, for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Pesto Chicken Skillet

1. Customize the Pesto: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own pesto sauce. You can easily swap basil for spinach, arugula, or even kale to create a unique flavor profile. You can also add toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for an extra crunch.
2. Add Protein Variations: If you’re not a fan of chicken or want to try something different, this recipe also works well with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
3. Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works in some recipes, fresh spinach wilts down beautifully in this skillet, providing a burst of color and nutrition. It also absorbs the pesto sauce for added flavor.
4. Cook on Medium Heat: Keep the heat at a medium temperature while cooking the chicken. Too high, and it could burn the garlic or dry out the chicken, too low, and it won’t get that crispy, golden exterior.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For even cooking, make sure the chicken pieces aren’t crowded in the pan. If you’re cooking more than two chicken breasts, consider cooking them in batches to ensure that each piece has room to sear properly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto Chicken Skillet is the ultimate weeknight meal for busy families, single folks, or anyone who craves a quick, yet flavorful dish.

This recipe is a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal effort and just one pan, which means less cleanup!

The combination of juicy chicken, savory pesto, and fresh spinach is both satisfying and healthy, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick dinner when you need something filling but nutritious.

The layers of flavor—from the herby pesto sauce to the rich Parmesan garnish—ensure each bite is packed with deliciousness. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken Skillet is sure to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, simple, and packed with vibrant flavors that everyone will love.

Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight meal or serving it for a special occasion, the savory, herby pesto and tender chicken will have your taste buds dancing.

Serve it alongside your favorite sides, or enjoy it on its own for a deliciously satisfying dish. Give it a try, and let the irresistible aroma fill your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pesto sauce for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine in this recipe, especially if you’re looking to save time. However, homemade pesto offers a fresher taste and can be customized to your preferences, such as adding different herbs or nuts.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through compared to breasts.

3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check if the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken to check if the juices run clear.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This pesto chicken skillet makes great leftovers. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pesto if needed to freshen it up.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and flavor. You can sauté them with the garlic or add them to the skillet after the spinach wilts.