As the days stretch longer and the warmth of summer beckons, my mind inevitably turns to visions of vibrant green basil and the aromatic allure of pesto. While I may not be cultivating my own basil garden this year, I find solace in the convenience and quality of store-bought pesto, which never fails to deliver that quintessential burst of freshness. These Chicken Pesto Bowls hit all the senses in just the right way to cure my pesto cravings.
The Colors of Spring and Summer
Lately, my culinary musings have been tinged with hues of green and red, leading me to concoct a delightful dish: Pesto Chicken Bowls. Inspired by the bounty of the season, these bowls feature tender grilled chicken adorned with cherry tomatoes and crisp asparagus—truly, the essence of summer on a plate.
Effortless Elegance.
What sets these bowls apart is their effortless elegance. Despite their gourmet appearance, they are remarkably simple to assemble and boast a nutritional profile that’s as impressive as their flavor. Personally, I’m more inclined towards rice than pasta. So, naturally, transforming any meal into a bowl is my go-to strategy for culinary satisfaction.
Even my asparagus hater, my six-year-old son Julian, couldn’t resist the allure of these bowls. His verdict? “Wow, the asparagus doesn’t even taste that bad in this!” A high praise indeed, and a testament to the dish’s universal appeal.
As for my husband, he found himself repeatedly drawn back to the succulent chicken, each bite confirming its status as a newfound favorite. It’s safe to say that these Pesto Chicken Bowls vanished from our dinner table in record time. They left behind only satisfied smiles and the lingering aroma of basil.
The Perfect Dinner Time Solution
Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or aiming to infuse a touch of vacation vibes into your dinner routine, these bowls are the perfect solution. In fact, they’re so versatile that you could easily whip them up on vacation! It’s a recipe that transcends time and place, delivering pure culinary joy wherever you may find yourself.
Pesto Chicken Bowls are a culinary triumph that promises to delight both your taste buds and your soul. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and reminiscent of lazy summer days, they’re a winner in every sense of the word.
So, why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of summer with these irresistible Pesto Chicken Bowls!
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Pesto Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with my Chicken Pesto Bowl recipe, featuring perfectly grilled pesto-marinated chicken, tender asparagus, and juicy grape tomatoes served over a bed of fluffy rice—a culinary delight that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice (or whatever your favorite is)
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1 jar of your favorite pesto (store bought or homemade)
- 1 pound of asparagus (trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon galic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 of a lemon juiced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes cut in half
Instructions
- Add 3 tablespoons of pesto to a bag of bowl and add the chicken breasts. Make sure they are covered well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a bag or bow, mix the asparagus, oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let that sit while the chicken marinates.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Preheat your grill to medium high.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side.
- Flip the chicken once and add the asparagus. Grill until both are done (about 5 minutes).
- Slice the chicken and asparagus into smaller pieces.
- Put 4 tablespoons of pesto in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until a nice thin dressing forms.
- Assemble bowls: rice, chicken, asparagus, sliced tomatoes, and drizzle with pesto dressing.
Notes
I like to add half cauliflower rice to my rice to add even more vegetables. I find when I do half cauliflower rice, I don’t even notice it’s there!
These bowls make a great meal or meal prep! Feel free to add additional veggies or cheese like feta or goat!
- Prep Time: 70
- Cook Time: 20
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