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Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables
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A quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant mixed vegetables, and fresh pesto. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe delivers a balanced combination of protein and vegetables with minimal cleanup and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or half moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup fresh pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse and dry the vegetables. Cut the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, slice the zucchini into rounds or half moons, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and minced garlic for extra flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before slicing.
  3. Sauté or Roast the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and toss in the prepared vegetables. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Alternatively, roast the vegetables in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes for deeper flavor.
  4. Combine Everything with Pesto: Return the sliced chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add dollops of pesto over the top and gently toss everything until well coated and heated through. This melds the flavors beautifully for a satisfying bite.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, though jarred pesto also works well.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; cook until no longer pink inside.
  • Choose seasonal vegetables for the freshest taste and variety.
  • Add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving to brighten the dish.
  • Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear on the chicken and vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken, quick dinner, healthy meal, one-pan recipe, gluten free, easy dinner, chicken and vegetables

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/easy-pesto-chicken-and-vegetables/