Chicken Pesto Rice
Chicken Pesto Rice
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, Chicken Pesto Rice might be just what you need. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and nutritious vegetables all cooked together with rice. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s packed with protein and essential vitamins. Curious about how to make this delightful one-pot meal? Let’s explore the recipe and its history.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, Chicken Pesto Rice is a perfect choice. This convenient one-pot meal takes only about 20-30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
With minimal cleanup required, you’ll appreciate how easy it’s to cook on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. Nutritionally, it’s packed with protein, iron, and potassium, plus a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals. The rich pesto sauce adds incredible flavor, and you can customize the dish with your favorite vegetables or optional ingredients like lemon zest.
Whether you choose chicken thighs or breasts, this meal fits any preference. Plus, the recipe yields leftovers that can be stored for later, ensuring you enjoy it again!
History
Pesto has a rich history that dates back to its origins in Genoa, Italy, where it first emerged as a traditional sauce.
Ancient Romans enjoyed a similar paste called “moretum,” which included garlic, cheese, and herbs. During the Middle Ages, Genoans made a garlic and walnut sauce known as “agliata.”
In the 1850s, basil was introduced to pesto, leading to the well-known “pesto alla genovese,” documented by Emanuele Rossi and Giovanni Battista Ratto in 1863. The introduction of basil into pesto marked a significant evolution in its flavor profile.
Over time, pesto recipes evolved, with Dutch cheese replacing traditional pecorino due to trade influences.
Today, pesto is a global favorite, appearing in various dishes, including chicken pesto rice, showcasing its adaptability and enduring appeal in modern cuisine.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 cup brown rice (raw)
- 1 tablespoon pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh pesto
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh chopped tomatoes
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
Cooking Instructions:
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Begin by cooking the rice. Rinse the long grain rice and brown rice under cold water, then cook according to package directions.
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Once cooked, set aside and let it rest before fluffing with a fork.
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While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
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Season the chicken drumsticks and breast halves with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Cook the chicken in the skillet until browned and cooked through, confirming the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
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Remove from the skillet and let rest.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Then, add the prepared pesto, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
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Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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Once the chicken has rested, cut the drumsticks to butterfly them.
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Slice the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine the cooked chicken, rice, and pesto sauce in the skillet, stirring well to coat all the ingredients.
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Finally, add diced Roma tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture.
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Stir everything together and allow it to heat for a few more minutes before serving. Cooking the chicken to perfection ensures it remains juicy and flavorful, thanks to the butterflied chicken drumsticks].
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in pesto for a couple of hours before cooking.
This will enhance the taste and make the chicken even more delicious.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Make certain to taste and adjust seasonings before serving to verify the dish is perfectly balanced.
Enjoy your Chicken Pesto Rice!
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that Chicken Pesto Rice isn’t just a delightful dish; it also offers a variety of nutritional benefits.
This meal provides a significant amount of protein, which supports muscle repair and growth, making it a great choice for active individuals. The potassium and iron content contributes to your overall health, helping with blood pressure and energy levels. Additionally, the dish has a balanced macronutrient profile, with healthy fats contributing to overall well-being.
However, be mindful of portion sizes, as some recipes can be high in sodium, carbs, and fats. If you have dietary restrictions, consider how this dish fits into your meal plan.
FAQ
Have questions about Chicken Pesto Rice? You’re not alone!
Prep time ranges from 5 to 20 minutes, while cook time can take 15 to 40 minutes. The main ingredients include chicken, pesto, rice, and seasonings like garlic. This dish is known for being easy weeknight dinners that families enjoy.
You can choose from chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, and both homemade and store-bought pesto work well. For rice, options like brown, white, or basmati suit different tastes.
Feel free to add veggies like tomatoes or zucchini for extra nutrition. Remember to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, and adding pesto last helps maintain flavor.
Each serving packs about 403 calories, offering a good protein boost, but watch for allergens like nuts or dairy.
