Chicken Pesto Rice Bowl (Printable)

Tender pesto chicken served over warm rice with fresh tomatoes, Parmesan, and pine nuts for a vibrant, satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pesto

05 - 1/2 cup basil pesto
06 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

→ Rice

07 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, warm

→ Toppings

08 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
09 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
10 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
03 - Reduce heat to low, add basil pesto to the skillet, and stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through
04 - Divide warm rice equally among four serving bowls
05 - Top each bowl with pesto-coated chicken, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns pantry staples into something that feels special without any fuss or fancy techniques.
  • The pesto does all the flavor work, so you can focus on getting dinner on the table fast.
  • Every bite has that fresh tomato pop that keeps it from feeling heavy or one note.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the rice soaks up all that herby oil.
02 -
  • Dont skip warming your rice before assembling, cold rice makes the whole bowl feel flat and the pesto wont distribute as well.
  • If your pesto tastes too strong or oily, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice to balance it out.
  • Use a hot skillet for the chicken so it sears instead of steaming, that golden color adds flavor you cant fake.
03 -
  • Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet for just 2 minutes, they burn fast but the nutty flavor they add is worth watching them closely.
  • If your pesto is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of pasta water or chicken broth before tossing with the chicken.
  • Always taste your pesto before adding extra salt, some store bought versions are already very salty.
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