Save Tender chicken marinated in vibrant basil pesto, served over fluffy rice and topped with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables for a nourishing, flavorful meal. This Pesto Chicken Bowl is a simple yet sophisticated Italian-inspired dish that brings fresh, Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 40 minutes.
Save The secret to this dish is the quick marinade, which allows the herb-infused pesto to penetrate the chicken, ensuring every bite is succulent and aromatic. Paired with crisp cucumbers and creamy avocado, it offers a satisfying variety of textures.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Rice: 240 g (1 1/4 cups) uncooked jasmine or basmati rice; 480 ml (2 cups) water; 1/2 tsp salt.
- Fresh Vegetables & Toppings: 200 g (1 1/2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 medium avocado, sliced; 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach or mixed salad greens; 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, basil pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Step 2
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 3
- While rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 4
- Prepare fresh vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice onion and avocado, and wash spinach or greens.
- Step 5
- Assemble bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and greens. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and garnish with basil leaves.
- Step 6
- Serve immediately. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the fluffiest rice, ensure you rinse it thoroughly to remove excess starch. If you prefer a more intense pesto flavor, reserve a small amount of fresh pesto to drizzle over the finished bowl just before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb alternative. You can also enhance the bowl by adding crumbled feta cheese or a sweet drizzle of balsamic glaze. Always check pesto labels for dairy or nuts if you have specific dietary requirements.
Serviervorschläge
This meal is excellent for meal prep. Simply store the cooked rice and chicken together and keep the fresh vegetables in a separate container to maintain their crispness and texture until you are ready to eat.
Save With its vibrant colors and rich herb flavors, this Pesto Chicken Bowl is a nourishing choice that feels like a gourmet meal without the hassle. It is a reliable favorite for anyone looking for a wholesome and flavorful dining experience.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the pesto from scratch?
Absolutely. Fresh homemade pesto blends fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It typically yields more vibrant flavor than store-bought versions and allows you to adjust ingredients to your taste preferences.
- → What other proteins work with this bowl?
Grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or even chickpeas make excellent alternatives. The pesto marinade complements most proteins beautifully. For vegetarian options, try marinated tofu or white beans.
- → How long does marinated chicken keep?
Marinated chicken can be refrigerated safely for up to 2 days. The pesto actually enhances flavor the longer it sits. For food safety, always marinate in the refrigerator and never reuse leftover marinade.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
Cook rice and chop vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. The chicken tastes best when freshly cooked, though you can marinate it overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- → What vegetables substitute well in this bowl?
Roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, shredded carrots, or roasted eggplant all work wonderfully. Feel free to use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand. The key is maintaining variety in colors and textures.