Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Introduction

In this article, we’re going to explore a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce with the vibrant taste of pesto: Creamy Pesto Chicken. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying to the taste buds.

Ingredients

To make Creamy Pesto Chicken, you will need:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh basil leaves
• Pine nuts
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Preparing the Pesto Sauce

1. Gather Ingredients: Collect fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until a smooth paste forms.
3. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to the pesto sauce, adjusting according to your preference.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Rub chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Pan-Fry: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Combining Chicken and Pesto Sauce

1. Add Pesto Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat and pour in the prepared pesto sauce.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in heavy cream to create a creamy consistency, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Creamy Pesto Chicken hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
• Pair with your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations and Tips

• Substitute basil with spinach or arugula for a twist on the classic pesto flavor.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.

Health Benefits

Creamy Pesto Chicken offers a nutritious meal packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the olive oil and pine nuts. Basil provides vitamins and antioxidants, while garlic offers immune-boosting properties.

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a versatile dish that can elevate any dinner table with its bold flavors and creamy texture. Whether enjoyed with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto sauce instead of homemade?
   • Yes, store-bought pesto sauce can be used as a time-saving alternative.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the pesto sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine them when ready to serve.
3. What other proteins can I use besides chicken?
   • This creamy pesto sauce pairs well with shrimp, salmon, or tofu as alternatives to chicken.
4. How long does leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken last in the fridge?
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
5. Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken?
   • Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month in a freezer-safe container.

Source: easyweeknightrecipes.com

Yield: 4

Copycat Applebees Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print

If you’re a fan of Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen, combining tender chicken, a luscious four-cheese mac, and a sweet yet spicy honey pepper sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
• 1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• Salt and Pepper
• Basil
• Honey Pepper Sauce:
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Tbs soy sauce, low sodium
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 Tbs vinegar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Cheese Sauce:
• 1 stick butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

• Bake or deep fry chicken strips according to package directions (you can also make your own), set aside.

• Cook pasta according to package directions.

• Meanwhile mix all your Honey Pepper sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.

• To make your cheese sauce melt your butter and cream together in a large pan.

• Once melted add in your cheese one at a time, stirring after each addition then and garlic and stir until incorporated and everything in melted.

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Add pasta to pan with sauce and stir to combine, add in your bacon and stir until incorporated.

• Dip each of your chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce until coated and set aside.

• When ready to serve, dish up your pasta and top with chicken strips and sprinkle with basil and additional bacon if desired.