Chicken Pesto Rice Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant bowl featuring tender basil pesto chicken over warm rice with fresh tomatoes and optional pine nuts.

# What You 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

→ Rice

07 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, warm

→ Toppings

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms pantry staples into something that tastes restaurant-worthy without any complicated techniques.
  • The pesto does all the heavy lifting for flavor, so you get big taste with minimal effort.
  • It's endlessly adaptable and I've made it a dozen different ways depending on what's in the fridge.
02 -
  • Don't add the pesto over high heat or it can turn bitter and lose its bright green color.
  • Warm rice is essential because it soaks up the pesto juices and keeps the dish from feeling dry.
  • If your tomatoes aren't perfectly ripe, a squeeze of lemon juice will add the acidity you need.
03 -
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely because they burn fast.
  • If your pesto is too thick, loosen it with a tablespoon of pasta water or chicken broth before mixing.
  • Use day-old rice if you have it, it holds its shape better and doesn't get mushy in the bowl.
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