Pesto Power Bowl Chicken and Veggie Delight
Looking for a quick healthy Pesto chicken recipe This easy Pesto chicken power bowl is ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavour Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy Recipes
Recipe Introduction: Pesto Power Bowls
Fancy a quick, tasty, and healthy meal? Ever wondered if you can throw something amazing together in under 30? This Pesto chicken recipe is the answer! It's a flavor explosion, and it's surprisingly easy to make.
Honestly, I reckon you will love it!
Pesto Chicken & Veggies: A Whirlwind Tour
Our star dish is a pesto chicken and vegetables combo. Picture this: juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, all slathered in delicious pesto.
It's inspired by sunny Italian flavours. This is super manageable. Prep takes like, ten minutes, and cooking is only twenty.
It happily feeds four hungry humans.
Why This Pesto Chicken Rocks
This easy pesto chicken recipe is packed with goodness. Hello protein, healthy fats and vitamins. It's an ace choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Or even a posh lunch! What makes it truly special? It brings sunshine to your plate, any time of year.
Meet Your Pesto Chicken Meal Prep Ingredients
Okay, so you'll need some chicken breast (about a pound). Chop it into bite-sized pieces. Grab a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder if you fancy it.
Now for the good stuff: broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, a zucchini (sliced), and a red bell pepper (also sliced). Oh, and don’t forget the pesto.
Store-bought is fine, but homemade really sings.
Alright, let's chat about the stuff you'll need for this banging Pesto Power Bowl , aka my easy pesto chicken recipe .
Honestly, it's so simple, even my nan could make it! Get ready for a Pesto chicken recipe that's quick, easy and totally delicious.
Pesto Power Bowl Chicken and Veggie Delight Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal
So, you wanna whip up this healthy pesto chicken dinner ? Here's what you'll need. Nothing too fancy, promise! You can even make it a pesto chicken meal prep if you are into that.
Main Ingredients
Here's the lowdown on what to grab from the shops. These amounts are for serving 4 hungry bellies.
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1-inch pieces. Get good quality chicken. It makes a difference, trust me!
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, obviously. Go wild.
- ½ tsp garlic powder. This is totally optional.
- 2 cups (about 200g ) broccoli florets.
- 1 cup (about 150g ) cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1 medium zucchini (about 200g ), sliced.
- 1 red bell pepper (about 150g ), sliced.
- ½ cup (about 120ml ) basil pesto. Homemade is best, but shop-bought is fine in a pinch.
Want a quick pesto chicken dish? Use pre-cut veggies. You know, cheat a little!
Seasoning Notes: Get That Flavour!
Okay, so pesto already brings a lot of flavour to the party. But... Garlic powder adds a subtle warmth if you want.
Don't skip the salt and pepper. It's crucial! For an Italian chicken recipes twist, try a pinch of dried oregano!
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, silly!
- A large skillet or wok is essential.
- Chopping board and chef's knife – for all that veg.
- A mixing spoon or spatula.
Don't have a wok? A frying pan will do just fine. No need to buy anything new! I've made this pesto chicken and vegetables a million times.
A decent pan is all you need. Make it a pesto chicken power bowl , by serving it on top of your favorite veggies! And If you love chicken pesto pasta recipe , just add pasta!
I bet you want to make baked pesto chicken breast . It's yummy!
Get Ready to Pesto Like a Pro!
Fancy a super easy pesto chicken recipe that's also dead healthy? Oh my gosh, you've come to the right place! This Pesto Power Bowl recipe is proper lush.
Honestly, it’s so simple, anyone can nail it. Even if you once managed to burn toast and set off the smoke alarm.
.. like I may have done. (Don't tell anyone). It's the perfect, quick dinner for busy weeknights. We’re talking 30 minute pesto chicken magic.
It's even fab for pesto chicken meal prep , if you're that organized.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before we fire up the hob, let's do some prep. First, give all those veggies a good wash. Chop the broccoli, halve those cute cherry tomatoes and slice the zucchini and pepper.
Now, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, if you're feeling it. Remember: Safety first! Keep your chopping board steady and watch those fingers.
Trust me, been there, done that! A sharp knife makes all the difference, too.
Step-By-Step: Sauté to Deliciousness
Alright, here's where the magic happens:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet.
- Sauté the chicken until 165° F ( 74° C) . Should be opaque. Then remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil. Sauté the broccoli, zucchini, and bell pepper until crisp-tender.
- Add tomatoes in the last 2 minutes .
- Return the chicken. Add ½ cup pesto. Stir until everything is coated.
- Cook for 1- 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with Parmesan and basil, if you like.
Pro Tips for Pesto Perfection
Want to take this Pesto chicken recipe from "good" to "OMG"? Here are a few secrets. Don’t overcook the chicken, or it'll be drier than the Sahara.
And, like your mum always said, use fresh pesto; it makes a massive difference. Vegetables should be crisp-tender – nobody wants soggy veg.
Also, A hot pan is key!
Oh, and here’s a little secret: If you’re feeling fancy, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end! Another great option is to add a touch of heavy cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking to get a super creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe .
Right then, let's dive into a few extra bits for this Pesto chicken recipe . These little nuggets will make sure your dish is absolutely banging! It's all about making life easier, innit? This easy pesto chicken recipe is a winner, I promise!
Recipe Notes: The Nitty-Gritty
Plating Like a Pro
Right, so you've slaved away. Now make it look pretty! For a pesto chicken power bowl , think layers. Fluffy quinoa on the bottom.
Then, pile high that glorious pesto chicken and vegetables . Sprinkle with Parmesan. A few basil leaves? Chef's kiss! This healthy pesto chicken dinner looks the part and tastes incredible.
Feeling posh? Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil. Done! Got some mates round? Serve this quick pesto chicken dish with a proper cold beer.
Lager goes down a treat.
Storage Secrets
Leftovers? You lucky thing! Pop your pesto chicken meal prep into an airtight container. The fridge is your friend for up to 3 days.
Want longer? Freezing is an option. Make sure it's properly cool first. When you're ready to tuck in, reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
Add a splash of water. Keeps it moist, see? Honestly, though, it's so tasty, it rarely lasts that long in our house!
Mixing It Up
Fancy a change? Go veggie! Use halloumi instead of chicken. Roasted butternut squash is a great seasonal swap. Want to keep it low-carb? Swap out the veggies for courgetti.
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free pesto. You know, the one's made from cashew nuts. Simple swaps can make this pesto chicken recipe totally yours.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, so we're not talking Michelin-star levels of complication here. This pesto chicken dish is genuinely good for you. Lean protein from the chicken.
Loads of vitamins from the veg. Healthy fats from the pesto. It's a balanced meal that fills you up. Plus, it's way better for you than a takeaway.
Win-win! Thinking about making chicken pesto pasta recipe ? Just chuck it over some pasta instead.
So there you have it. Your Pesto chicken recipe is sorted!. Go forth, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness.
It is an Italian chicken recipes that you can easily fall in love with. Give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment!.
You may even add baked pesto chicken breast to your repertoire. And remember, even if it goes a bit wrong, it'll still taste amazing! This 30 minute pesto chicken recipe is a life-saver.
Let me know how it goes, yeah? Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pesto chicken recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet and stir in the pesto just before serving. Think of it as prepping your ingredients like a contestant on "The Great British Bake Off" - organisation is key!
What’s the best way to store leftover pesto chicken and veggies?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's best to reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if they seem a little dry. Just remember, like a fine wine, some things don't always improve with age, so best to eat it sooner rather than later!
I'm allergic to pine nuts, can I still make this pesto chicken recipe?
Of course! Many pesto recipes use alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can easily find or make a pesto that suits your dietary needs. Alternatively, consider using a sun-dried tomato pesto for a completely different, but equally delicious, flavour profile. It's all about adapting, just like contestants do on "MasterChef" when they face unexpected ingredients!
How can I make this pesto chicken recipe healthier?
To make this dish even healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta or quinoa instead of white rice. You can also load up on the veggies, adding more broccoli, spinach, or kale. Also, using a leaner cut of chicken and reducing the amount of pesto can help lower the fat content – although a little indulgence never hurt anyone!
Can I grill the chicken instead of sautéing it for this Pesto chicken recipe?
Grilling the chicken is an excellent alternative! It adds a lovely smoky flavour that complements the pesto beautifully. Just make sure to brush the chicken with a little olive oil before grilling to prevent it from sticking and cook it until it's fully cooked through, around 165°F (74°C). The trick is to let the flavours mingle, much like the band members of the Beatles.
What other vegetables would go well with this pesto chicken recipe?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Feel free to add any veggies you enjoy. Asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, or even roasted sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own signature version, just like adding your own spin to a classic song.
