Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe 🌟
This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe isn’t just about minimal effort for maximum flavour (though that’s a big plus!) – it’s also a delicious crowd-pleaser. Chicken thighs stay super juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the bold basil pesto sauce. Plus, the rich cream balances the herby pesto beautifully, making each bite indulgent yet light. And since this dish is made in just one pan, cleanup is a breeze. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavour: Simple ingredients like pesto, cream, and fresh spinach turn into a creamy, herby masterpiece. 🌱
- One-pan magic: Keep things easy with one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy!
- Perfect for weeknights: Ready in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe is ideal for quick but delicious meals. ⏱️
Key Ingredients for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken
To make this dish extra delicious, start with quality ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs 🍗: For ultimate tenderness, I recommend bone-in, skinless thighs. The extra richness adds to the creamy texture of this dish.
- Basil Pesto 🌿: If you can, go for fresh basil pesto or make your own! The freshness really shines through. Store-bought is a great shortcut, but look for one with high-quality olive oil and fresh basil for that true pesto flavour.
- Cream 🥛: Full-fat cream works wonders here, balancing out the basil and garlic with a velvety texture.
- Baby Potatoes 🥔: These little potatoes hold up well in the creamy pesto sauce, absorbing all those fantastic flavours. Just give them a quick boil beforehand for the best texture.
- Spinach Leaves 🌱: Fresh spinach adds colour, nutrients, and a lovely earthy contrast to the creamy sauce. Use a generous amount as it wilts down quite a bit in the pan.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken 🍽️
This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a star on its own, but here are a few ways to really make it shine:
- Serve with crusty bread 🥖: Nothing beats mopping up that creamy pesto sauce with a warm slice of sourdough or a crusty baguette.
- Add a side of steamed greens 🥦: Broccoli or green beans complement the dish perfectly, adding a fresh, crisp texture.
- Pour over pasta or rice 🍚: If you’re in the mood for something extra comforting, spoon the chicken and sauce over pasta or rice – you won’t regret it!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken
Here’s how to make this Creamy Pesto Chicken even better:
- Brown your chicken first: Browning adds depth and caramelised flavour, which makes a big difference.
Let the sauce simmer: After adding the cream and pesto, let it cook for a few minutes so the flavours meld together, creating a truly luxurious sauce.
Cover for even cooking: Once the potatoes and spinach go in, cover the pan to keep all the flavours locked in and cook the potatoes just right. 🕒
Storing Your Creamy Pesto Chicken
Got any Creamy Pesto Chicken leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well! Simply portion it out into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm it up on the stove or microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little more cream or milk until it’s back to its original consistency.
Other Recipes to Try 🍲
Craving more easy dinners that hit the spot? Try these one-pan wonders next:
Snap & Share Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Creation! 📸
Alright, food lovers – it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get cooking! This Creamy Pesto Chicken is calling your name, and I promise it’s going to be a family favourite. And hey, don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I’d love to see your creations! 📸
Enjoy every bite of this creamy, herby goodness, and keep an eye out for the next recipe in our one-pan dinner series. 🍲
Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey food lovers! 🍽️ here is part 3 of my series of one pan dinners. Ready to whip up something delish tonight? Here’s a to-die-for Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe that will leave your taste buds singing. 🎶
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Gently roll them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Get them all brown and crispy on both sides in a hot pan with a touch of olive oil.
- Pour in that aromatic basil pesto and creamy cream, giving it a good mix.
- Now, toss in your baby potatoes and fresh spinach. Cover that pan and let it simmer on a low heat for about 10 minutes. 🕒
Serve hot and enjoy a plate of pure comfort! 💛
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, go ahead. Just be mindful that they can cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
You can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version. Just note that the sauce will be a bit less creamy, but still delicious.
Sure! Substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free pesto. The flavour will be slightly different, but still amazing.