Imagine a dinner that's so incredibly delicious, yet requires minimal cleanup and takes less than 40 minutes to prepare. This One Pan Chicken Pesto is about to become your kitchen's secret weapon, transforming ordinary weeknight meals into a restaurant-worthy experience. With crispy chicken, burst cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant pesto sauce that ties everything together, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and simplify your cooking routine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and spread pesto sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the pan, allowing them to slightly char and release their juices.
- Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle fresh spinach leaves over the chicken and let them wilt.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
- Plate the chicken thighs with tomatoes and wilted spinach, spooning extra pan juices over the top.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the best heat distribution and perfect searing.
- Don't rush the skin-crisping process - let the chicken cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes to develop a beautiful color.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- For extra flavor, try using homemade pesto or experimenting with different herb variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 165mg
