Description
This Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice Recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines tender chicken, cauliflower rice, and a homemade basil pesto. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Cauliflower Rice:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated into rice-sized pieces or 4 cups pre-made cauliflower rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the grated cauliflower (or pre-made cauliflower rice), season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the cauliflower rice and stir to combine.
- Pour the prepared pesto over the chicken and cauliflower rice, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the pesto chicken cauliflower rice warm, topped with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice, Chicken and Cauliflower, Healthy Dinner Recipe
