Do you put pesto on chicken before or after cooking?

For the best flavor in a pesto chicken recipe , apply the pesto before cooking . Marinating the chicken in pesto allows the basil, garlic, and olive oil to deeply infuse the meat. Ideally, marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight. After cooking, you can also spoon extra pesto or creamy sauce over the chicken for added richness and moisture.

Is pesto unhealthy or healthy?

Pesto can absolutely be healthy—especially when made with wholesome ingredients. Traditional pesto contains olive oil, basil, pine nuts, and parmesan , which are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein. However, store-bought versions may contain added sodium or oils, so check the label. In moderation, pesto is a flavorful, nutrient-dense addition to your creamy pesto chicken recipe .

What kind of chicken goes well with pesto?

Both chicken breasts and chicken thighs work well with pesto, but the choice depends on your texture and flavor preferences. Chicken breasts are lean, cook quickly, and stay juicy when marinated. Chicken thighs offer more fat and a richer taste, making them ideal for baked or air fryer pesto chicken recipes. If you're following a keto or low-carb plan, thighs provide extra satiety and pair well with creamy sauces.

Is pesto chicken healthy?

Yes, pesto chicken is healthy , especially when prepared with clean, whole ingredients. This dish is naturally: High in protein Low in carbohydrates Rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts To make it even healthier, use almond or coconut milk in the sauce instead of cream, skip the cheese topping, and serve it with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles. Our version of the pesto chicken recipe fits well into most balanced diets, including keto, low-carb, and gluten-free lifestyles .

Pesto Chicken Recipe: Best Creamy Low-Carb Dinner in 30 Minutes

Description

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe is a fast, one-skillet dinner packed with basil pesto flavor, juicy chicken, and a smooth, dairy-light sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or low-carb comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon basil pesto (for sauce)
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: Freshly shaved parmesan, fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a Ziploc bag or bowl, combine chicken, 2 tablespoons pesto, salt, and pepper. Massage gently and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix flour, garlic, remaining pesto, and almond milk until smooth.
Simmer: Return chicken to skillet. Pour sauce over chicken and add cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens and tomatoes burst.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parmesan, basil, or pine nuts if desired. Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Swap almond milk with heavy cream for a keto version. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy. This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Low Carb
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 234
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 327mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 73mg

Keywords: pesto chicken recipe, creamy pesto chicken, low carb chicken dinner, one skillet chicken, chicken pesto pasta