Low-Carb One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken (Ready in 25 Minutes)
Weeknight dinners usually mean a messy kitchen, but this 25 minute creamy pesto chicken solves that problem effortlessly. The shatteringly crisp golden crust on the chicken blends right into a velvety one pot creamy pesto chicken sauce, keeping your cleanup practically nonexistent.
Why This Creamy Basil Skillet Works
- Intense Savory Depth: Seared chicken locks in the juices immediately, providing a hearty base for the sauce.
- Luscious Texture: The combination of heavy cream and basil pesto creates a perfectly thick, mouth-coating finish.
- Zero-Stress Cleanup: Everything cooks together, meaning you spend less time at the sink and more time enjoying your food.
The Perfect Low-Carb Dinner Strategy
Finding a dinner that is both nutritious and incredibly satisfying can be a challenge on busy evenings. This recipe relies on high-protein chicken and rich fats from the cream and avocado oil to keep you feeling full.
To round out the meal without adding heavy sides, it pairs beautifully with a crisp tomato avocado salad to cut through the richness of the cream.
- Protein: 45g per serving
- Total Carbs: 9g per serving
- Dietary Fit: Low-Carb
Building the Velvety Tomato Basil Sauce
Start by making sure you pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning it. This is the secret to getting a great crust when you sear the meat in the hot avocado oil.
Once the chicken is browned, add your shallots to the open spaces. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape gently to release the flavorful browned bits from the pan.
Lower the heat, then whisk gently as you pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, and finally, fold in the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
Kitchen Notes for the Best Sear
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook the chicken in a single layer so it sears rather than steams.
- Watch the heat: Always lower the burner temperature before adding the heavy cream to prevent the dairy from curdling.
- Keep it versatile: If you enjoy this cooking method, a similarly easy option is this quick marry me chicken.
Quick Chicken Skillet FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How should I store the leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
25-Minute One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with this rich, savory chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato and pesto sauce. A one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 6 thin-sliced chicken breasts (about 5 oz / 140 g each, totaling about 1 ¾ lb / 800 g)
- ¾ cup shallots (finely diced)
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (julienned and drained)
- ¾ cup 180 ml chicken broth
- 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (torn for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken : In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides.
- Achieve the Initial Sear : Heat the avocado oil in your sauté pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Sear for 3–4 minutes on one side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- Build the Aromatic Base : Flip the chicken pieces. Scatter the diced shallots into the open spaces in the pan around the chicken. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring the shallots occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer : Pour the chicken broth into the pan. As it bubbles, use your tongs or a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a steady simmer and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Create the Creamy Sauce : Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the heavy cream into the pan and gently whisk it into the broth. Allow the sauce to heat through, simmering gently for 5–7 minutes as the chicken continues to cook in the liquid.
- Infuse Pesto and Tomato : Stir the basil pesto and julienned sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce until fully incorporated. Continue to simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
- Confirm and Serve : Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast; it should register 165∘F (74∘C). Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the chicken immediately, spooning the luscious sauce over the top and garnishing with torn fresh basil.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a different flavor profile, try using arugula pesto. If you don’t have shallots, a finely diced yellow onion will also work well.
- Troubleshooting: To prevent the cream sauce from curdling, ensure you lower the heat before adding the heavy cream. If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, you can thin it with an extra tablespoon of broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Nutrition Facts (approx. per serving): Calories: 532 kcal | Total Fat: 34 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g) | Total Carbs: 9 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 3 g) | Protein: 45 g | Sodium: 650 mg | Cholesterol: 165 mg | Potassium: 680 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Nutrition
- Calories: 532
Disclaimer: This recipe is shared for informational purposes to inspire your home cooking. Always listen to your own body and consult a professional when trying new dietary routines!
Hi, I’m Emily! As a wellness researcher and recipe developer, my mission is simple: to bridge the gap between nutritional science and the joy of eating. Here, you’ll find evidence-based recipes that feed your body without boring your tastebuds. Read her full story.
