Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (divided); 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup pesto; ¼ cup milk; 8 ounces cherry tomatoes; Fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 70 reviews

There is something undeniably comforting about a rich, flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a luscious, aromatic sauce made from fresh pesto, garlic, and tomatoes, all simmered in a creamy broth that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds nine clear glass bowls and a measuring cup, each with different ingredients arranged neatly. Starting from the top left, there is clear liquid in a measuring jug, three garlic cloves in a small bowl, fresh green basil leaves in another bowl, and two raw chicken pieces in a large bowl on the right. Below them are a larger glass bowl filled with light brown broth, a small bowl with olive oil, a small bowl with green pesto, a whole white onion, a small bowl with white flour, and a small bowl full of red cherry tomatoes. The bowls are organized in a balanced way across the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the tender chicken to the vibrant pesto and sweet tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: The star of the dish, providing juicy protein that soaks up the creamy pesto sauce.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce for perfect seasoning.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth, balancing out the creaminess.
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (divided): Used for dredging and thickening the sauce, giving it a silky texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Essential for browning the chicken and softening the onions, bringing richness to the final dish.
½ medium yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic boldness without overpowering the pesto.
1 ½ cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base that lifts the pesto and ties everything together.
½ cup pesto: Bursting with vibrant basil, garlic, and pine nut goodness—the heart of this recipe.
¼ cup milk: Adds creaminess to balance the bright, herby pesto sauce.
8 ounces cherry tomatoes: Provide bursts of color and juicy sweetness, elevating the dish in taste and appearance.
Fresh basil (for garnish): A fragrant finishing touch that brings freshness to every bite.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise or pounding them to about half an inch thick for even cooking. Season them generously on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to bring out their natural flavor. This simple prep step ensures your chicken will be juicy and flavorful inside the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken in Flour

Pour ¼ cup of the flour into a shallow bowl and dredge each chicken piece thoroughly. This coating helps create a beautiful golden crust when seared and later serves as a thickening agent for the sauce. Place the floured chicken pieces on a sheet tray, ready to hit the skillet.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, cooking each side for about 5 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate, and wipe out the skillet gently to prepare for the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour into the skillet and stir well with a wooden spoon, forming a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Pesto

Slowly drizzle in the chicken broth while constantly stirring to prevent lumps, incorporating it bit by bit until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Stir in the vibrant green pesto and ¼ cup of milk, which will lend the sauce its signature creamy texture and irresistible flavor. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the tomatoes soften.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Reduce the heat to low, nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and allow it to warm through for about 2 minutes, soaking up the luscious sauce. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving. Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

A black cast iron pan holds four cooked pieces of chicken with a light golden brown crust. Each piece has a slightly different shape and size, with a soft white interior visible in some areas. The chicken pieces have a browned texture on the top and edges, contrasting with the black pan surface that shows small oil spots and slight charring. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is not just a garnish but a flavor enhancer that brightens the rich, creamy sauce with its sweet, peppery notes. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few cracked black peppercorns on top takes presentation and taste up a notch. Don’t be shy with the garnishes—they make the dish look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides: fluffy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully, while a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness with a refreshing bite. For a low-carb option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add texture and vibrancy to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the box? Serve the creamy pesto chicken over a bed of warm pasta or creamy polenta for a comforting meal that everyone will love. You could also slice the chicken and pile it onto toasted ciabatta with a handful of arugula for an upscale sandwich twist—perfect for a casual yet sophisticated meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so sometimes the next day’s meal is even better. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for longer, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Reheating

Reheat the Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short bursts, stirring in between for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking and tenderness, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?

Dredging the chicken in flour before cooking is key to achieving that golden crust and also helps thicken the sauce later on. It gives the dish a lovely texture contrast and improves the overall consistency of the creamy pesto sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, making sure it is unsweetened and neutral-flavored. The creamy texture might differ slightly, but the taste will remain delightful.

How long does the Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Definitely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time. However, if you have fresh homemade pesto, it will add an extra burst of flavor and brightness that’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it finds a special spot in yours too. It’s the perfect balance of comforting creaminess and fresh, herby flavor wrapped around tender chicken. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to dinner that brings joy to every meal.