Garlic Pesto Chicken Skillet – Juicy, Easy & Ready in 30 Minutes!
A quick 30-minute skillet dish with tender chicken breasts bathed in garlic and fresh pesto. Serve with optional vegetables for a healthy, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
- Season both sides with salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken breasts and cook 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F)
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour pesto over the chicken
- Toss to coat evenly and heat through for 1–2 minutes
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving
Notes
Chicken may dry out if overcooked—use a meat thermometer
Fresh homemade pesto enhances flavor
Marinate chicken in pesto for 1 hour for deeper taste
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition
Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices
Use turkey breasts as a substitution
Fresh homemade pesto enhances flavor
Marinate chicken in pesto for 1 hour for deeper taste
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition
Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices
Use turkey breasts as a substitution