I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to add to my rotation, and I recently came across a bunch of great ones that use pesto and chicken.
I love pesto, so I knew I would love these dishes.
And I was right—they all turned out great!
If you’re looking for some new recipes to try, be sure to check out this list of 26 recipes with pesto and chicken.
Read Also: Chicken Pesto Wine Pairing – Best Wines for Chicken Pesto
You won’t be disappointed!
26 Recipes with Pesto and Chicken
Chicken and pesto is one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations.
Pesto is a flavorful paste made from herbs, nuts, and olive oil, and it goes beautifully with chicken’s mild flavor.
There are endless ways to enjoy this pairing, from simple pasta dishes to grilled chicken sandwiches.
See Also: 8 Best Herbs and Spices for Grilled Chicken
And whether you prefer your pesto green or red, there’s a recipe out there for you.
Here are 26 of my favorites, all of which are sure to please your taste buds.
So what are you waiting for?
Give one of these recipes a try today!
1. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/729231364679912003/I absolutely love this recipe.
It’s so creamy and flavorful, and the chicken is always cooked perfectly.
The pesto really ties everything together and gives it a nice zesty flavor.
The pasta is always al dente, and the sauce is just the right consistency.
I highly recommend this dish to anyone looking for a delicious and easy meal.
And if you’re having guests over, this is definitely a dish that will impress.
2. Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515451119860711846/I love pesto.
It’s one of my favorite things to eat.
I’m especially fond of basil pesto, with its bright, herby flavor.
And when you add in some juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, it’s even better.
Throw in some chicken for protein, and you’ve got a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making this dish.
- First, make sure your tomatoes are ripe and full of flavor.
- Second, don’t skimp on the pesto – it should be generous enough to coat everything nicely.
- And finally, make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Other than that, it’s pretty straightforward.
This dish is always a hit with my guests, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
3. Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3025924740980766/I love making these cheesy garlic pesto chicken sliders for my friends and family.
They’re always a hit, and they’re so easy to make!
- I start by cooking the chicken in a garlic-infused olive oil.
- Then, I add some homemade pesto and Mozzarella cheese. I like to use a really good quality pesto for this recipe – it makes all the difference in the taste.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, I add it to mini slider buns and serve.
The garlic and pesto give the chicken a great flavor, and the Mozzarella cheese makes it super cheesy and delicious.
My guests always rave about these sliders, and they always ask for the recipe.
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious recipe to feed a crowd, this is it!
4. Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/92464598591188901/I recently tried a recipe for pesto chicken, corn, and avocado bacon pasta salad that I absolutely loved.
The dish has an amazing taste, with the pesto providing a beautiful depth of flavour.
The texture is also perfect, with the chicken being cooked to perfection and the avocado providing a lovely creaminess.
The smell of the dish was exquisite, and I found myself really enjoying the experience of cooking it.
The cooking tips I would recommend are to use good quality chicken breasts and to cook the pasta al dente.
This dish is definitely one that I would recommend to guests.
5. 5-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Soup
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/402509285456058044/I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that are packed with flavor, and this pesto chicken soup definitely fits the bill.
See Also: Best Herbs For Chicken Soup
It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the taste is anything but ordinary.
The creamy pesto adds a richness to the soup, while the chicken brings a touch of protein.
I also love the way the pasta absorbs all of the flavors. It’s truly a delicious dish!
And it’s so easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book.
Just saute some chicken and veggies, add in some broth and pasta, and let it all simmer until the pasta is cooked.
That’s it!
I like to garnish my soup with a little Parmesan cheese and some freshly chopped parsley, but you can omit those if you’d like.
This soup is also great for entertaining guests.
Just double or triple the recipe as needed and serve it with a loaf of crusty bread.
Your guests will be impressed, I promise!
6. Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/816699713690113391/I think you should try this recipe for pesto mozzarella and tomato stuffed chicken breasts.
It’s packed with flavor and has a great texture.
The pesto really adds a nice zing, and the chicken is cooked to perfection.
I highly recommend this dish to anyone looking for a tasty and impressive meal.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
So if you’re ever in a pinch, this dish is sure to please your guests.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472244710941865894/I recently had the pleasure of trying a dish that I believe you would enjoy as well.
The recipe is for slow cooker chicken pesto, and it is absolutely delicious.
The chicken is incredibly tender, and the pesto has the perfect combination of flavor and creaminess.
The dish also has a wonderful smell and presentation.
I would highly recommend trying this recipe if you are looking for a new and exciting meal to cook for your family or guests.
8. Paleo Pesto Chicken Meatballs
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/50524827063429082/I absolutely love pesto chicken meatballs!
They have the perfect balance of taste and texture, and they smell amazing while cooking.
My guests always rave about them, and I always get requests for the recipe.
Here are my tips for making the perfect Paleo Pesto Chicken Meatballs:
- First, make sure to use ground chicken that is high quality and well-seasoned.
- I also recommend using a food processor to make the pesto, as it really helps to bring out the flavor.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in the pesto – I often add a little bit of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
9. Skinny Pesto Chicken Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/590675307390512287/This recipe is one of my favorites because it is so light and flavorful.
The pesto chicken salad has a great taste and the chicken is perfectly cooked.
The texture of the salad is also perfect, with the pesto chicken being just the right amount of chewy.
The smell of the dish is amazing, and I always get compliments from guests when I make it.
If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy recipe, I highly recommend trying this one.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking it, though.
- First, be sure to use skinless, boneless chicken breasts so that they cook evenly.
- Second, cook the chicken on medium heat until it’s slightly pink in the middle.
- Finally, don’t forget to add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy!
10. Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/250935010479313469/When I came across this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try.
And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
The chicken was tender and juicy, and the pesto added a delicious depth of flavor.
The tomatoes were nice and juicy, and the burrata added a lovely creaminess to the dish.
Overall, it was an absolutely amazing meal.
And if you’re looking for tips on how to make it even better, I would recommend cooking the chicken in a cast iron skillet.
It just adds that extra bit of flavor that takes this dish from great to exceptional.
Read Also: Chicken Saltimbocca Wine Pairing – The 15 Best Wines
11. One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/33073378504685018/When it comes to dinner, I’m often looking for recipes that are quick, easy, and tasty.
This one-pan pesto chicken and veggies recipe ticks all of those boxes.
The pesto adds a great depth of flavor to the chicken, and the veggies add a freshness and crispy texture that takes the dish to the next level.
The best part is that everything cooks in one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup required.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
12. Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/277745502012425411/I’ve been making these grilled pesto chicken wraps for years, and they never get old.
The pesto is so flavorful and the chicken is always juicy.
Plus, the wraps are a perfect size for a quick meal.
I usually make them for lunch, but they’d be great for dinner, too.
If you’re having guests over, you can make them ahead of time and then just pop them on the grill when you’re ready to eat.
Here are my tips for making the perfect grilled pesto chicken wrap:
- Start with good quality pesto. I like to use homemade pesto, but you can also use store-bought.
- Spread the pesto on the wraps in a thin layer. You don’t want it to be too thick or it will overpower the other flavors.
- Grill the chicken breasts until they’re cooked through. I like to use a grill pan so that I can get those nice grill marks, but you can also cook them on an outdoor grill.
- Cut the chicken into thin strips so that it’s easy to eat.
- Add your favorite toppings. I like to add tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. But you can really use whatever you like.
Enjoy!
13. Chicken Pesto Pasta with Broccoli
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/301530137562602493/I recently tried this recipe for chicken pesto pasta with broccoli.
The pesto added a great deal of flavor to the dish, and the chicken was cooked to perfection.
The pasta had a wonderful texture, and the broccoli was a perfect complement to the other ingredients.
The dish also had a great smell, and it was very easy to prepare.
I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy chicken and pesto together.
I think it would be especially popular with guests who are looking for something different than the usual fare.
14. Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/37858453109199713/This recipe is amazing and it’s so easy to make.
It has an incredible taste, the texture is very smooth, and the smell will garlic will make your mouth water.
It’s very simple: Just cook the chicken until it’s browned and then add the pesto.
You can also add some Parmesan cheese on top.
This dish is great for guests because it looks impressive but it’s actually very easy to make.
I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do!
15. Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/60798663710581142/I was thrilled when I found this recipe for chicken pesto sandwiches.
The pesto really elevates the flavor of the chicken and pairs perfectly with the mozzarella cheese.
The texture of the sandwich is also amazing – the crispy bread, creamy cheese, and juicy chicken are a perfect combination.
And it smells incredible while it’s cooking!
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a delicious and unique sandwich, this is the recipe for you.
Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds.
16. Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/339036678213411273/Spring is one of my favorite times of year – the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the produce is fresh.
One of my go-to dishes during this season is grilled chicken and asparagus pesto pasta.
I love it because it’s light but filling, and the pesto sauce is so flavorful.
The dish has a great mix of textures, from the creamy pesto to the al dente pasta to the crispy chicken. And it smells amazing when it’s cooking!
If you’re looking for a impressive but easy dish to make for guests, this is it.
Trust me, they’ll be asking for the recipe.
Here are a few tips: Make sure your chicken is properly seasoned before grilling, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, and don’t forget to toast the pine nuts for the pesto sauce!
Enjoy!
17. Whole30 Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/109916047146212905/This recipe is full of amazing taste and texture.
The pesto is so fragrant and flavorful, and the chicken is juicy and tender.
The zucchini noodles are the perfect addition, giving the dish a slight crunch.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – your guests will be impressed, and you’ll be hooked! It’s worth it.
18. Pesto Pasta W/ Chicken Sausage & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/260223684710685093/This is another of my favorite recipes.
I love it because it has a great taste and texture.
The pesto is flavorful and the chicken sausage is juicy and tender.
The Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch to the dish.
This recipe is also very easy to make.
You can cook it in just a few minutes.
And, it’s a great dish to serve to guests.
They will love the flavor and the presentation.
19. Healthy Pesto Chicken Sandwich
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/416442296806544598/This sandwich is healthy and flavorful, and it only takes a few minutes to make.
The pesto is made with fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts, and it gives the chicken a zesty flavor.
The chicken is grilled, so it has a nice smoky taste, and the pesto also helps to keep it moist.
The sandwich is served on whole wheat bread with tomato slices and lettuce.
I like to add a little bit of mayonnaise to mine, but you can leave it out if you’re watching your fat intake.
This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s also great for entertaining guests.
If you’re having people over, you can grill the chicken in advance and then assemble the sandwiches right before they arrive.
20. Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/305822630954670003/This recipe is one of my all-time favorites.
I love the taste of pesto, and the chicken really complements it well.
The texture of the chicken is also perfect – it’s tender and juicy, but not too oily.
And the slider buns are nice and soft, so they don’t get in the way of the flavors.
The smell of the pesto cooking is amazing.
It always makes my mouth water.
21. One-Skillet Pesto Chicken and Orzo
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563442603392988179/This recipe is so flavorful and easy to make.
The pesto adds a nice zesty taste, and the chicken is cooked to perfection.
The orzo is also a great addition because it gives the dish a creamy texture.
The best part about this recipe is that it only requires one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
I usually make this dish when I have guests over because it always impresses them.
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try.
Cooking tips:
- I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook evenly and don’t dry out as easily.
- I also like to add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for some extra heat.
- Lastly, be sure to taste the pesto before adding it to the dish – some brands can be quite salty.
22. Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/354165958206850774/A few days ago, I had some friends over for dinner and decided to make pesto chicken and avocado bacon salad wraps.
I was a little worried that the pesto would be too overpowering, but it ended up being just the right amount of flavor.
The chicken was also cooked perfectly and the avocado added a great creamy texture.
Overall, the wraps had an amazing taste and smell that my guests loved.
If you’re looking for a simple recipe that is sure to impress, I highly recommend giving these wraps a try.
And if you’re worried about the pesto being too strong, just add a little less than the recipe calls for.
23. Chicken Pesto Pizza
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/106749453659927402/This recipe is one of my favorites because it is so flavorful and easy to make.
The pesto sauce is a great addition to the chicken and pizza dough, and it really brings out the taste of the chicken.
The texture of the chicken is also very important, and I like to use breast meat because it is tender and juicy.
The smell of the pesto and chicken cooking together is wonderful, and it always makes my guests smile.
Cooking tips:
- Be sure to preheat your oven to 350 degrees before you begin preparing the pizza.
- Also, I suggest using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent the pizza from sticking to the pan.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
24. Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/271623421266932126/This recipe is a great way to mix up your usual lunch routine, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
The pesto adds a delicious depth of flavor, while the chicken and cheese provide a perfect balance of taste and texture.
I also love the smell of this dish when it’s cooking – it always seems to make my kitchen smell like summertime.
If you’re having guests over, I recommend making a few extra sandwiches so that everyone can have seconds (or thirds!).
And if you’re short on time, you can always cook the chicken ahead of time and then just assemble the sandwiches before grilling them.
25. Grilled Lemon Pesto Chicken Kebabs
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48554502223279089/I recently tried this recipe for grilled lemon pesto chicken kebabs and I think you should too!
The chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, and the pesto adds a delicious depth of flavor.
The kebabs also have a nice smoky flavor from being grilled.
I would definitely recommend using wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes, as this will help to prevent them from burning.
I served the kebabs with a simple salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes, but they would also be great with rice or roasted vegetables.
Overall, this dish is easy to make and can be adapted to suit your taste.
I hope you’ll give it a try!
26. Chicken Pesto Quinoa Bowls
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/406731410110175411/I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that are both tasty and healthy, and I recently came across this one that I think you’ll really enjoy.
It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
The pesto is made with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, and it perfectly complements the succulent chicken and fluffy quinoa.
And best of all, it’s really easy to make.
Just follow the recipe below and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time:
- To start, cook the quinoa according to the package directions.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining the basil, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor or blender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Then, cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re cooked through.
- Once everything is cooked, assemble the bowls by adding a scoop of quinoa to each one, topping with chicken and pesto.
You can also add other toppings like diced tomatoes or shredded cheese if you like.
These chicken pesto quinoa bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.
26 Easy Recipes with Pesto and Chicken
Ingredients
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
- Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad
- 5-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Soup
- Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
- Paleo Pesto Chicken Meatballs
- Skinny Pesto Chicken Salad
- Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata
- One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies
- Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps
- Chicken Pesto Pasta with Broccoli
- Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
- Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella
- Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta
- Whole30 Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Pesto Pasta W/ Chicken Sausage & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Healthy Pesto Chicken Sandwich
- Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders
- One-Skillet Pesto Chicken and Orzo
- Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps
- Chicken Pesto Pizza
- Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini
- Grilled Lemon Pesto Chicken Kebabs
- Chicken Pesto Quinoa Bowls
Instructions
- Pick one of the recipes from this list to serve for dinner.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy your meal in less than 30 minutes!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.