AmericanChickenDinnerGluten FreeItalianRecipesSheet PanUnder 60 Min
March 26th, 2024
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Pesto Chicken with Veggies isn't just delicious – it's also incredibly convenient. As a mom who's always on the go, I understand the importance of having make-ahead meals in my arsenal. That's why I love whipping up a big batch of this freezer-friendly dish.
Let’s talk about a meal that’s not only a taste sensation but also a total lifesaver for those chaotic days when cooking feels like a distant dream and the energy level is just not there anymore. Enter: Pesto Chicken with Veggies. Imagine juicy grilled chicken breasts, slathered in a mouthwatering basil pesto sauce, served alongside a vibrant array of veggies. It’s a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Now, here’s the best part: Pesto Chicken with Veggies isn’t just delicious – it’s also incredibly convenient. As a mom who’s always on the go, I understand the importance of having make-ahead meals in my arsenal. That’s why I love whipping up a big batch of this freezer-friendly dish. It’s the ultimate time-saver on those crazy days when there’s barely a moment to spare. Simply pull it out of the freezer, cook, and voila – dinner is served!
So, who’s ready to roll up their sleeves and join me in the kitchen? In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my go-to recipe for Pesto Chicken with Veggies, along with all my tips and tricks for making meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there’s something for everyone to learn.
Why you’ll love this Easy Chicken Pesto Recipe
Balanced nutrition: Offers a healthy balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love the flavorful combination of chicken and pesto.
Freezer-friendly: Stores well in the freezer for months, allowing for easy meal planning.
Reduced waste: Use up leftover vegetables or herbs to create this dish, minimizing food waste.
Stress-free dinners: Knowing there’s a delicious meal waiting in the freezer alleviates dinner prep stress.
Healthy fats: Pesto sauce provides heart-healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.
Pesto Chicken and Veggies Freezer Meal Recipe
Pesto Chicken with Veggies isn't just delicious – it's also incredibly convenient. As a mom who's always on the go, I understand the importance of having make-ahead meals in my arsenal. That's why I love whipping up a big batch of this freezer-friendly dish.
Green Bean Substitution: Substitute for Frozen Broccoli Florets. Simply swap the green beans with an equal amount of frozen broccoli florets for a delicious variation.
Tomato Substitution: Substitute Frozen Bell Pepper Strips. Replace the grape or cherry tomatoes with frozen bell pepper strips for a slightly different taste and texture.
Pesto Substitution: Substitute for Homemade Basil Pesto Cubes. Make your own pesto using fresh basil, olive oil, nuts, and seasonings. Freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for convenient portions. Use these homemade pesto cubes in place of store-bought pesto for a fresher and more customizable flavor.
Additions:
Spinach Addition: Frozen spinach adds an extra boost of nutrition to the dish and pairs well with the flavors of pesto.
Mushroom Addition: Mushrooms have a meaty texture and absorb the flavors of the dish well. Add sliced frozen mushrooms to the pan with the other veggies for an earthy and savory twist to your Pesto Chicken with Veggies.
Parmesan Cheese Addition: Parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and veggies before freezing for an extra layer of cheesy goodness when reheated.
How to Reheat and Store Pesto Chicken and Veggies
Best way to store Make-Ahead Chicken and Veggies
The best way to store Pesto Chicken leftovers is to ensure they are properly sealed and refrigerated promptly after cooking. Make sure to allow the Pesto Chicken to cool down before storing it.
Placing hot food directly into the fridge can raise its internal temperature and affect other dishes in the fridge. Once cooled, transfer the Pesto chicken into airtight containers or resealable bags. Don’t forget to label and date your leftovers to keep track of freshness.
How long will Pesto Chicken and Veggies last in the fridge?
When your dish has properly been allowed to cool, and you have used the correct storage devices to store your leftover chicken, your Pesto Chicken will remain fresh for 3-5 days.
Can I freeze convenient Pesto Chicken and Veggies!
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of a recipe. We recommend prepping this recipe as a raw freezer meal. To do this, add all ingredients, except the pesto, into a gallon freezer bag, shake the bag to coat the chicken. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
If you have already cooked your recipe and want to freeze your leftovers, first, allow your Pesto Chicken leftovers to cool, then store your leftovers in a freezer glass container or freezer bag. Consider dividing up your leftovers into single portions to allow for easier reheating. Make sure to label and date your containers/bag to keep track of freshness of recipe. Your leftovers will remain in the freezer for up to three months.
How to Reheat Easy Chicken Pesto with Veggies?
The best way to reheat your leftover Pesto Chicken is to use the microwave or stovetop. If your recipe is frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Once thawed, we recommend using the stovetop, which helps even heating and helps prevent overcooking. Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil or butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the Pesto Chicken and stir occasionally until heated through.
Another, faster reheating method is to use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the Pesto Chicken to a microwave safe dish and cover it loosely with a safe-lid or towel to prevent splatter. Then reheat in a short burst of 30-60 seconds until heated through.
Quick Pesto Chicken and Veggies FAQs
What makes pesto taste good with chicken?
Pesto’s vibrant flavors complement the mildness of chicken, enhancing its taste with the savory combination of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and Olive oil. The herbaceous notes of pesto perfectly complement the grilled or roasted flavors of the chicken, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.
How much pesto do you mix with a recipe?
The amount of pesto used in a recipe can vary depending on the personal preference of the one eating the recipe, and the desired intensity of the flavor. As a general guideline, start with about 1/3 – 1/2 cup of pesto per 2-3 lbs of chicken. Adjust the quantity of the pesto according to your taste, adding more or less as needed to achieve the flavor that you are looking for.
What is pesto made of?
Pesto is typically made of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. These ingredients are blended together to create a smooth, vibrant green sauce with a rich flavor profile. Pesto is a loved ingredient by many people who enjoy adding flavor to meats, or pasta.
Why is pesto so expensive?
Pesto can be a high expense ingredient due to the quality ingredients that are used in its preparation, such as fresh basil and pine nuts. Additionally, the labor-intensive process of hand-picking basil leaves and carefully blending them together with other ingredients can contribute to a higher cost.
Is pesto supposed to be heated up with the recipe or cold.
Pesto can be enjoyed either heated or cold. It really depends on your preference. However, it should never be “cooked” as this will change the makeup of the pesto with the fresh basil leaves, and will provide a darker color green which will reduce the freshness of the pesto.
What health benefits does pesto add to a recipe?
Pesto adds several health benefits to a recipe, including being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and heart healthy fats from ingredients like basil, olive oil, and nuts. Also, garlic in pesto offers immune-boosting properties, while basil provides anti-inflammatory effects.
What type of chicken should be used with pesto?
For a pesto Chicken freezer meal, use boneless, skinless, chicken breasts or chicken tenders for convenience and quick cooking. These cuts of chicken absorb the flavors of the pesto well and cook evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken dishes.
What is the origin of Pesto?
Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, where it was traditionally made by crushing fresh pesto leaves, garlic, and pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil with a mortar and pestle. The word “pesto” comes from the Italian word “pestare” meaning “ to pound” or “to crush” This refers to the method of preparing the pesto and ingredients together.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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