Easy Pesto Chicken Bowls for Two
Pesto chicken bowls are a healthy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor from pesto sauce and juicy chicken, this easy recipe is a great way to satisfy your taste buds.
We love bowls for dinner! They are a great solution for a quick dinner for two, and these pesto chicken bowls couldn’t get any easier. They are packed with vibrant flavors and hearty goodness in every bite.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and Easy! This recipe is so simple to put together and perfect for meal prepping.
- Healthy! This bowl is packed with healthy ingredients.
- Flavor! The richness of pesto sauce blends perfectly with tender chicken and fluffy quinoa.
Here is what you will need
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.
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How to make pesto chicken bowls
Prepare: Rinse and cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
STEP 1: While the orzo is cooking, heat oil in a skillet, once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook it until it turns golden brown on all sides
Step 2: Reduce the heat, stir in the pesto sauce.
STEP 3: Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through
STEP 4: Assemble the bowls. Place half of the orzo into each bowl, then the chicken pesto and tomato mixture and a handful of baby arugula.
Optional toppings and add-ins
Make your bowls more interesting with any combination of these add-ins and toppings.
- Red pepper flakes
- Sauteed vegetables
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Fresh herbs
- Nuts such as pine nuts, walnuts or almonds
Serving suggestions
These bowls are pretty much a meal on their own, but they also taste great with a zesty arugula salad or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Meal prep and storage tips
Bowls are great for meal prepping. When you have time, prepare the ingredients, and store them separately in airtight containers so they are ready to assemble and enjoy for a quick dinner or lunch.
Even though this recipe is for two, it’s easy to add one more serving or double it an use what’s left for lunch or another quick dinner. Just store what’s leftover store them in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Recipe variations
Protein – Change up the protein and use an equal amount of shrimp, salmon or tofu.
Pesto – Instead of traditional pesto sauce, use kale pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto.
Orzo – Use a different shape of pasta or replace orzo with rice or cauliflower rice.
Tips
- To get a nice even browned exterior, pat the chicken pieces dry and sear the chicken in a hot pan.
- Add a tablespoon or two of pesto sauce to the orzo before adding it to the bowl.
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Cooking for Two Tips
Make cooking for two easy with these tips and tricks.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, pre-made pesto can be a convenient option. Look for good quality fresh pesto in the refrigerated section for best flavor.
You can freeze the leftovers in separate containers. However, fresh pesto can lose it’s vibrant color and flavor when frozen.
Both boneless chicken breasts and thighs work well; however, thighs tend to be more juicy.
Pesto Chicken Bowls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespons pesto sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 pound boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 12 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 1/2 cups baby arugula
