Go Back
–+ servings
pesto chicken on top of pasta on a plate
Print

Pesto Chicken Skillet

Skillet Pesto Chicken is a quick and easy chicken dinner made with boneless chicken breasts, mushrooms, pesto sauce, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Main Course
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 405kcal
Author Amee

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup good quality pesto sauce jarred or homemade
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  • Chop chicken breasts into bite-size pieces
  • Place flour and cayenne pepper in a large ziplock bag and shake to mix
  • Add chicken to bag and shake to evenly coat all pieces
  • Remove chicken from bag and shake off any excess flour
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  • Add chicken to pan and cook until all pieces are beginning to brown to a light, golden color about 5-7 minutes
  • Remove chicken from pan and cover to keep warm
  • Add butter and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until mushrooms are nicely golden, about 5-7 minutes
  • Add chicken, chicken broth, cream and pesto to pan and stir to combine.
  • Cook for a few minutes more until sauce has started to thicken.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste
  • Top with freshly grated parmesan, if desired
  • Serve immediately

Notes

  • To achieve perfectly pan-seared chicken, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating them. Make sure your skillet is HOT before adding them in a single layer, and make sure there’s enough space between each piece to prevent steaming. 
  • Consider deglazing the skillet. After searing the chicken to golden perfection, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to loosen any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and incorporate them into the sauce for a savory flavor boost. 
  • Remember to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Depending on the pesto sauce used, you may need to add salt, pepper, or additional herbs to balance the flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 836IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg