Pesto Chicken Bowl (Printable format)

Tender pesto-marinated chicken over fluffy rice topped with fresh vegetables for a colorful, nourishing meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice

06 - 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Fresh Vegetables & Toppings

09 - 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
11 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 medium avocado, sliced
13 - 2 cups baby spinach or mixed salad greens
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
15 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - 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 in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
02 - 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.
03 - 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.
04 - Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice onion and avocado, and wash spinach or greens.
05 - Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and greens. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and garnish with basil leaves.
06 - Serve immediately. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Effortless Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes with simple steps.
  • Fresh and Vibrant: Packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like avocado, spinach, and tomatoes.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: A healthy, gluten-free option when using a compliant pesto.
  • Versatile: Great for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
02 -
  • Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper, more robust basil flavor.
  • Always rinse your rice under cold water to remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
  • Check pesto labels for allergens; many brands contain tree nuts (pine nuts) and dairy (parmesan cheese).
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