Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot

Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings Category: Dishes Cuisine: Italian Diet: None specified

Description

Description A flavorful one-pot meal with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and colorful vegetables, all enhanced by basil pesto.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into 1 -inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ⅓ cup basil pesto
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
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Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a bowl.
  2. Chop vegetables: red onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini.
  3. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until water runs clear.
  4. Sear the chicken in a pot with olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
  5. Sauté red onion and zucchini in the pot for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add chicken broth and chickpeas, then return the seared chicken back to the pot.
  9. Bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat, fluff rice, and add pesto, cherry tomatoes, and lemon juice, then fold to combine.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. For added flavor, consider substituting proteins or using seasonal vegetables. This dish can be modified to be lighter or vegan.