chicken thigh and pesto recipe

chicken thigh and pesto recipe

The Best chicken thigh and pesto recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – chicken thigh and pesto! This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The origin of this recipe dates back to Italy, where pesto is a beloved sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

It’s a classic combination that is both flavorful and easy to make. When I first started making this recipe, I was blown away by how quickly it came together and how delicious it was. The key to making a great chicken thigh and pesto is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the pesto sauce.

You can use store-bought or homemade pesto, but I highly recommend making your own for the best flavor. The process of cooking the chicken thighs is relatively simple – just season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and then sear them in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown. After that, it’s just a matter of adding the pesto sauce and letting it simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it with pasta, rice, or even as a sandwich filling. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to be involved in the process of creating something delicious from scratch. It’s also a great way to teach them about different flavors and textures.

In terms of health benefits, this recipe is a winner because it’s high in protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pesto sauce. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta or swapping out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

Chicken Thigh and Pesto Skillet

Chicken Thigh and Pesto Skillet

4.7 from 626 votes

Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a creamy pesto sauce. This one-pan meal is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

3 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Garnish

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook without moving for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
4Flip the thighs and cook for another 4 minutes until the other side is browned.
5Remove the chicken to a plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet.
6Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
7Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
8Stir in the heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
9Return the chicken thighs to the skillet skin-side up, nestling them into the sauce.
10Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
11Remove the lid and let the sauce thicken for 2 minutes over medium heat.
12Garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts if desired, then serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 4g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use boneless skinless thighs and reduce the cream to 1/4 cup. You can also add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Thigh and Pesto Skillet Works

This chicken thigh and pesto recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it with pasta, rice, or even as a sandwich filling.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you need it. If you’re planning on serving leftovers at an event or gathering, simply reheat them in a large skillet over low heat until they’re steaming hot throughout.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Thigh and Pesto Skillet

Q: What type of chicken thighs should I use for this recipe?

In this recipe, we recommend using bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe with other types of protein?

Yes, you can make this recipe with other types of protein such as chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken thigh and pesto?

You can store leftover chicken thigh and pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without garlic?

No problem! Simply omit the garlic from the pesto sauce or substitute it with another ingredient like shallots or leeks.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

The best way to reheat this dish is by warming it up in a skillet over low heat until it’s steaming hot throughout.

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