How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken

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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 ellaborate 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 4 years ago. 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! Like this tomato chicken recipe, it’s a fantastic, one pot chicken dish that’s good for you and delicious. 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!

 

Creamy Pesto Chicken 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)

• 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

 

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 & 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 & 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) & crème fraîche (3 tbsp). Season generously with salt & 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 & use tomato pesto instead of basil. Great whatever the season, I bet you come back to this one again & again!

If you’re a big fan of that sharp pesto flavour, you will LOVE this pesto prosciutto yorkshire pudding bake too!

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 & Instagram or email me at emma@kitchenmason.com.

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As featured on Southern Bite’s Meal Plan Monday #178

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