Pin it The Pesto Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious meal that combines succulent herb-marinated chicken with the comforting texture of fluffy rice and crisp, fresh vegetables. It's a perfect Italian-inspired dish for busy weeknights, offering a burst of aromatic basil and garlic in every bite.
Pin it This recipe focuses on simple ingredients that deliver maximum impact. By using a flavorful pesto as both a marinade and a sauce, you simplify the cooking process while ensuring the chicken stays juicy and seasoned throughout.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tbsp basil pesto; 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: Marinate
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, basil pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 2: Cook Rice
- Rinse rice under cold water. Boil water and salt in a saucepan, add rice, then simmer covered for 12-15 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: Sear Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 4: Prep Vegetables
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the red onion and avocado. Wash the greens.
- Step 5: Assemble
- Divide the rice into 4 bowls. Top with chicken, vegetables, and greens. Sprinkle with pine nuts and garnish with fresh basil.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden sear. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking is essential for a fluffy, non-sticky texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lower-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. You can also add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra richness and tang.
Serviervorschläge
Serve immediately while the chicken and rice are warm, though these bowls are also delicious at room temperature. For meal prepping, store the fresh vegetables and avocado separately to keep them crisp.
Pin it Enjoy this flavorful Pesto Chicken Bowl as a satisfying lunch or dinner. With its balance of 31g of protein and 480 calories per serving, it is a guilt-free way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a modern bowl format.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow the basil pesto flavors to penetrate. For deeper flavor, you can refrigerate the marinated chicken for up to 2 hours before cooking. Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours as the acidity may affect the texture.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free pesto or make your own by blending fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Many store-bought pestos contain cheese, so always check the label carefully.
- → What rice works best for this bowl?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices due to their fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. For a lower-carb option, substitute with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Brown rice also works well but may require additional cooking time.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice, chicken, and fresh vegetables in separate containers to maintain optimal texture. Reheat the chicken and rice gently, then top with fresh vegetables before serving.
- → Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. This bowl is highly customizable. Try adding roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, grilled zucchini, or steamed broccoli. The key is maintaining a variety of colors and textures to complement the pesto chicken.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
This is perfect for meal prep. Cook the rice and chicken in advance, chop your vegetables, and store everything separately. When ready to eat, simply reheat the protein and grain, then assemble with fresh toppings. The flavors actually develop more after sitting together.