One-Pan Pesto Chicken & Rice 🍃
One-Pan Pesto Chicken & Rice 🍃
A dreamy weeknight dinner that comes together in just one pan- minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are nestled into garlicky pesto-infused rice, with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil ribbons to finish. It’s cozy, herby, and wildly satisfying… the kind of meal that feels like comfort but still has a fresh, feel-good twist.
I love this dish not just for the flavors, but because it’s built on a method that’s endlessly versatile. Once you get the hang of it, searing the meat, layering in aromatics, adding rice and liquid, then letting the pan do its magic — you can swap ingredients based on what you have or what you're craving. The combos are truly endless, and it always turns out so good.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for seasoning)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 heaping cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups white rice, rinsed
- 3.5 to 4 cups bone broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup pesto (I’ve been loving kale pesto lately)
- 1/2 lemon (for a big squeeze at the end)
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Grated parmesan, for topping (the limit does not exist)
Instructions
- Season & Sear- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear in olive oil or butter over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies- In the same pan, sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes, then add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until soft and jammy, about 2–3 more minutes.
- Toast Rice- Stir in rinsed rice and toast for 1–2 minutes to build flavor.
- Add Broth & Pesto- Pour in bone broth and stir in pesto until combined.
- Add Chicken & Simmer- Nestle chicken back into the pan. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Finish & Serve- Turn off heat, top with mozzarella balls, and cover for a few minutes until melty. Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip rinsing your rice! It helps prevent stickiness and ensures a better texture.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer, just adjust cook time.
- Swap in orzo or farro or even quinoa if you’re feeling adventurous (just adjust liquid ratios).
- Want it creamy? Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end.
- Kid-friendly tip: Chop the chicken before serving and skip the basil garnish if your little one’s picky.
