Herby Pesto Chicken with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Tender chicken meets vibrant pesto in this mouthwatering pesto chicken cauliflower rice recipe that promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

The combination of succulent protein and low-carb rice alternative creates a delightful meal packed with nutrients.

Herbs and spices dance across each bite, delivering a symphony of tastes that will awaken your palate.

This easy-to-prepare dish brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your dining table without complicated techniques.

Fresh basil and garlic infuse the chicken with remarkable depth, while cauliflower rice provides a light, satisfying base.

Each forkful offers a perfect balance of protein and fresh ingredients that make weeknight cooking feel extraordinarily special.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Cooking Tips For Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken in pesto overnight to intensify the herbal flavor before cooking for even more delicious results.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the same exciting pesto profile.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to keep the dish ultra-light and perfect for keto and low-carbohydrate meal plans.
• Texture Enhancement: Toast pine nuts or add grated parmesan cheese on top for a crunchy, extra-savory finish that elevates the entire dish's sensory experience.

Serving Up Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe Easily

• Zesty Lunch Companion: Pair this pesto chicken with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Dinner Party Elegance: Serve on a beautiful white platter garnished with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts to elevate the dish's visual appeal and add extra texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Spread: Accompany the chicken with warm, crusty whole grain bread or pita to soak up the delicious pesto sauce and create a more substantial dining experience.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Store leftovers in meal prep containers with extra cauliflower rice for a convenient, protein-packed lunch that reheats beautifully and maintains fantastic flavor.

Meal Storage For Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken during this recipe and store in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep prepared dish in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Store pesto chicken and cauliflower rice separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion meals into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed meals in microwave at 50% power, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of water or extra pesto to refresh moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, hormone-free cuts for best taste and texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without overwhelming the dish.
• Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other seasonings.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat for sautéing and prevents sticking, select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Pesto: Creamy herb sauce that transforms the chicken with intense basil and nutty undertones, opt for high-quality jarred or fresh version.

Tools That Help With Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing and seasoning chicken with spices.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken evenly and creating golden-brown exterior.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring chicken while cooking and tossing with pesto.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 75C/165F.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing and handling chicken before cooking.

Steps To Make Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

• Season Chicken Boldly

Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over chicken pieces, ensuring every morsel gets maximum flavor coverage.

• Sizzle and Brown

Pour olive oil into a large skillet, cranking the heat to medium-high and waiting for the pan to get super hot before dropping in chicken chunks.

• Cook Until Golden

Let chicken dance in the hot skillet for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally to create a gorgeous caramelized exterior and ensuring no pink remains inside.

• Drench in Pesto Magic

Lower the skillet’s temperature and swirl in rich, herbaceous pesto, gently tossing chicken until every piece glistens with vibrant green sauce. Pull from heat and let flavors mingle.

Mouthwatering Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Italian-inspired pesto chicken cauliflower rice brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Crisp chicken and herbal pesto blend seamlessly with low-carb cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal you can savor.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 cups (960 ml) cauliflower rice (store-bought or grated fresh cauliflower)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Pine nuts (toasted)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend chicken with a symphony of spices – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a comprehensive mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
2. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal environment for developing a caramelized exterior on the seasoned chicken pieces.
3. Cooking Process: Carefully place chicken into the sizzling pan, rotating periodically to achieve an even, golden-brown crust and guaranteeing thorough cooking throughout approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Temperature Verification: Confirm chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 75C/165F, utilizing a meat thermometer to ensure complete doneness and optimal food safety.
5. Pesto Infusion: Reduce skillet heat and lavishly coat chicken with vibrant pesto, allowing the herbal sauce to meld seamlessly with the perfectly cooked protein, creating a rich and aromatic final layer.
6. Serving Preparation: Remove skillet from heat, letting the pesto-glazed chicken rest briefly before presenting alongside cauliflower rice, allowing flavors to harmonize and settle.

Notes

• Spice Calibration: Adjust spice blend proportions based on personal taste preferences, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that complements the pesto’s herbaceous notes.
• Temperature Mastery: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken, using visual and auditory cues like sizzling sounds and color changes.
• Pesto Precision: Add pesto off direct heat to prevent herb burning and preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor, gently coating chicken for maximum taste absorption.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap traditional pesto with dairy-free or vegan alternatives like cashew or sun-dried tomato pesto to accommodate different dietary requirements without compromising taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg