Chicken Pesto Rice Bowl (Print Version)

Tender pesto chicken over warm rice with fresh tomatoes. A vibrant, comforting bowl ready in just 35 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Pesto

05 - 1/2 cup basil pesto
06 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, optional

→ Rice

07 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, warm

→ Toppings

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

# How-To:

01 - Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through
03 - Reduce heat to low, add basil pesto, and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through
04 - Divide warm rice among four bowls
05 - Top each bowl with pesto chicken, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if desired
06 - Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes like you spent an hour in the kitchen.
  • The pesto does all the heavy lifting, so even on tired nights, dinner feels vibrant and satisfying.
  • You can swap ingredients based on what you have, and it still turns out delicious every time.
02 -
  • Don't add the pesto over high heat or it can separate and lose its bright green color, low and gentle keeps it creamy.
  • Warm rice is key because it absorbs the pesto juices, cold rice will just sit there and feel dry.
  • If your tomatoes aren't super ripe, a tiny pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon can wake them up.
03 -
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking often, until golden and fragrant, it makes a huge difference.
  • If you have time, let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking before stirring in the pesto, it stays juicier that way.
  • A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished bowl brightens everything and makes the flavors pop even more.
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