Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

5 from 7 votes

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a restaurant quality meal that you can whip up in no time! Succulent chicken in a creamy pesto sauce.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to get 4 pieces. Lightly beat with a kitchen mallet if needed to even out the pieces. Season the chicken with some salt, pepper and flour.
Bring a large nonstick skillet to medium heat and add 1 tbsps. of olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side for 5 minutes until golden brown in color. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Cover with foil wrap.
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp. of butter and add in the flour. Mix to blend well. Once you have a smooth creamy texture, add in the heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, basil, spices and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens up a little.
Add in the grated parmesan cheese and pesto sauce. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes. Taste to make sure your salt and spices are to your liking.
Return the chicken back to the pan. Drench with some of the sauce and cover to simmer on low heat for 3-5 more minutes.
Remove from heat, garnish with some basil leaves and parmesan cheese (optional) and serve.

Lightly beat with a kitchen mallet if needed to even out the pieces. You want the chicken roughly the same thickness, for even cooking.
You can use jarred or fresh pesto from the grocer's.
Be sure to season the sauce and taste it as you go!
You can use boneless chicken thighs, you may have to adjust the cook time slightly, to mkae sure the chicken is done.
To check your chicken's doneness, ideally use a meat thermometer, stick it into the thickest part of the chicken, when it reads 165F, it's done!
Garnish with basil leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness.