Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Looking for a healthy, low-carb meal that’s packed with flavor? This Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh pesto flavors, and the cauliflower rice keeps it light and nutritious.

Whether you’re on a keto diet, looking to reduce carbs, or simply love a healthy dinner option, this dish is a must-try!

Benefits of Using Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice has gained popularity for a reason—it’s a fantastic substitute for regular rice. Not only does it cut down on carbs, but it’s also loaded with vitamins like C and K, as well as fiber. Plus, cauliflower has a mild flavor, making it a perfect base for the bold flavors of pesto chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this healthy and flavorful Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken.
3. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

Making or Buying Cauliflower Rice

1. If using fresh cauliflower, cut the head into small florets.
2. Place the florets in a food processor and pulse until the cauliflower resembles small grains of rice.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the cauliflower rice.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender but not mushy.

Alternatively, you can use store-bought cauliflower rice to save time.

Making the Pesto

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. If you’re short on time, feel free to use a high-quality store-bought pesto.

Assembling the Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice

1. Once the chicken is sliced, return it to the pan.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the fresh pesto to the chicken, tossing it until the chicken is fully coated.
3. Serve the pesto chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice.
4. Drizzle with extra pesto if desired and garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.

How to Customize Your Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! You can add vegetables like sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. If you prefer a creamier dish, stir in a little cream or sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice

• Don’t overcook the cauliflower rice: It should be tender but still have a slight bite, similar to al dente pasta.
• Season well: Cauliflower is mild, so be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, and even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Use fresh basil: Fresh herbs make a world of difference when it comes to flavor in your pesto.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can also pair it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty garlic bread for a more complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine also complements the fresh, herby flavors of the pesto beautifully.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cauliflower rice and chicken separately if you want to make this ahead of time. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even steak. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

What’s the best type of pesto to use?

Fresh, homemade pesto is always best, but store-bought varieties can be just as delicious. Look for brands that use fresh ingredients.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This recipe is not only low in carbs but also packed with healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, along with vitamins from cauliflower and basil. It’s an ideal meal for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle while still providing plenty of flavor and satisfaction.

Fun Variations to Try

• Creamy Pesto Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the pesto for a creamy twist.
• Spicy Pesto: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner, Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice should be at the top of your list. It’s packed with flavor, low in carbs, and loaded with nutrients. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite go-to dinner in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! It’s a great meal prep option. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.
2. Can I freeze the pesto chicken?
   Absolutely. You can freeze both the chicken and cauliflower rice for up to 2 months.
3. What if I don’t have a food processor?
   You can chop the cauliflower finely by hand or use a box grater. For pesto, you can use a blender or mortar and pestle.
4.  

Yield: 4

Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

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Looking for a healthy, low-carb meal that’s packed with flavor? This Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh pesto flavors, and the cauliflower rice keeps it light and nutritious. Whether you're on a keto diet, looking to reduce carbs, or simply love a healthy dinner option, this dish is a must-try!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• For the Cauliflower Rice:
• 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated into rice-sized pieces or 4 cups pre-made cauliflower rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pesto:
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Cauliflower Rice:

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the grated cauliflower (or pre-made cauliflower rice), season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Make the Pesto:

1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine:

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the cauliflower rice and stir to combine.
2. Pour the prepared pesto over the chicken and cauliflower rice, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

5. Serve:

1. Serve the pesto chicken cauliflower rice warm, topped with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a quicker option, you can use store-bought pesto instead of making it from scratch.

If you want to add more vegetables, try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach to the cauliflower rice.

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.