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(This post has been updated from the original June 2015 version to provide a better experience for you)
This one pot creamy pesto chicken recipe is CRAZY quick, easy and delicious! You couldn’t possibly want any more from a meal right?! Perfect as a midweek meal or for dinner parties – this impressive dish boasts tons of flavour and, just like my creamy mustard chicken, is made in only one pan – WIN!
Don’t you just feel like there’s not enough hours in the day? Sometimes we really don’t have the time for elaborate recipes – but that doesn’t mean we have to eat boring, bland, convenience food! Oh no. Making tasty, healthy meals in a jiffy has sort of become my speciality since becoming a Mum. We’re just always too busy aren’t we?!
All we really want is quick, healthy and satisfying meals to keep us all going. This recipe is all 3 things and more! And that all important ‘one pot’ title means minimal pot washing… I’d call that a winner winner chicken dinner wouldn’t you?
It makes for an ideal midweek meal too. Perfect if you’re trying to save yourself time by meal planning!
Tips for making creamy pesto chicken
Here are some super helpful tips to help you make this creamy pesto chicken amazing, first time.
- The thinner you make the chicken breasts, the faster they will cook. Just make sure they will still fit in your pan before you get carried away!
- Season each chicken breast with salt and allow to rest for 15 mins before cooking. This will help improve the overall flavour.
- Place all the cherry tomatoes between two plates, (make sure there’s a gap between them, if not, put the top one upside down) then slice straight through with a sharp knife to cut them in half. Saves time over chopping each one individually!
- Want a stronger flavour? Add more pesto. If you prefer it a little creamier, use less pesto.
- Taste the sauce before serving and add more salt / pesto if needed. There’s nothing more disapointing than serving a dish then thinking you would have changed something!
- Don’t have any creme fraiche? This how to substitute creme fraiche article will help.
If you like this recipe…
…you might also like:
Creamy Pesto Chicken – Easy Step by Step Picture Recipe
Here is what you will need to serve 2.
(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 150g (1 Cup) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp Pesto
- 3 tbsp Crème Fraîche
- Fresh Basil, optional
Essential Equipment
- Large saute / frying pan
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts (x 2 breasts) between two pieces of cling film / in a freezer bag. Then flatten out the thickest part by bashing carefully with a rolling pin. (This will even them out and make cooking a little quicker and easier!) Season both sides with salt and leave to one side while we heat the pan.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat then add the oil (1 tbsp). Place the chicken breasts into the hot pan and fry one side until nicely golden. It should take about 5-10 minutes.
Turn the chicken over and continue to cook for a further 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through. If you’re unsure if they’re cooked, you can cut through the middle of one to check. Next, add in those halved cherry tomatoes (150g | 1 Cup) and cook until they start to soften. (About 5 minutes.)
Then turn down the heat and add in the pesto (3 tbsp) and crème fraîche (3 tbsp). Season generously with salt and pepper then give it a really good stir. Warm through for a couple of minutes before taking off the heat.
Give it a taste and check the flavour. Does it need any more pesto or salt? Finally, divide these golden beauties between two plates, scatter with some torn basil leaves and serve with some freshly cooked rice or potatoes.
I told you it was easy! This dish would easily impress at a dinner party, or satisfy the whole family for a mid-week meal. You can also change up the flavours easily and use tomato pesto instead of basil. Great whatever the season, I bet you come back to this one again and again!
Have you made this recipe? I want to know!
Will you be making this gorgeous creamy pesto chicken recipe? I’d love to know if it is! Send me your pics and comments on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or email me at emma@kitchenmason.com.
Loved this creamy pesto chicken recipe? Pin it!
One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken - Printable Recipe
Impressive in every way, this easy to make and incredibly delicious One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken is perfect for both dinner parties and midweek meals!
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 150g (1 Cup) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp Pesto
- 3 tbsp Crème Fraîche
- Fresh Basil, optional
Essential Equipment
- Large saute / frying pan
Instructions
- Flatten thickest part of each chicken breast by placing in a freezer bag/between 2 sheets of cling film and hitting gently with a rolling pin. Season with salt.
- Heat the oil in the pan over a medium heat then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-10 mins until golden on one side.
- Flip the breasts over and cook for a further 12-15 mins until cooked through.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 mins until they're soft.
- Turn the heat down to low then add the pesto and crème fraîche. Stir well and warm through for a few minutes.
- Check the seasoning and add more salt & pepper/pesto if you think it's needed.
- Serve immediately topped with freshly torn basil leaves. (Optional)
Notes
Serving suggestion: Serve with freshly cooked rice, potatoes or pasta.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 483Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 397mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 41g
Nutritional information on kitchenmason.com should only be used as a general guideline, I am not a certified nutritionist. Please always check labels for allergens where applicable.
About Emma Mason
Emma is a professional blogger. Utilising over 20 years of cooking experience, she’s passionate about making your life easier, one recipe at a time! Drawing on her 12+ year background in recipe research and development, photography, copy writing and marketing, Emma has turned kitchenmason.com into a successful career. Known as ‘the organisation queen’ among friends, she is passionate about creating easy to follow recipes that anyone can follow and enjoy. She lives in Nottingham (UK) with her husband, daughter and 2 naughty cats. In her spare time she can be found reading a good book, training at the dojo preparing for her black belt grading, or dreaming up the next crazy colour combo for her hair!
Pam
Thursday 25th of June 2015
My son will love this recipe. Thx
Miss KitchenMason
Thursday 25th of June 2015
You're welcome! x