Craving a dinner that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor but short on time and cleanup? Look no further! This One-Pan Keto Pesto Chicken is your new weeknight hero. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken thighs, perfectly crisp-tender asparagus, and a double-dose of tomato goodness from sweet cherry tomatoes and savory sun-dried ones. It all comes together in a single skillet, coated in a luscious basil pesto that makes every bite sing. Ready in about 30 minutes, this is healthy eating at its most delicious and effortless.
Ingredients
• 1.0 lb / 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch / 2.5 cm cubes
• 1.0 lb / 450g asparagus, woody ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch / 5 cm pieces
• 2.0 tbsp / 30 mL olive oil, divided
• 1.0 cup / 150g cherry tomatoes
• 0.33 cup / 80 mL sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 0.25 cup / 60 mL basil pesto
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp / 15 mL of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Set Chicken Aside: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
4. Sauté the Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tbsp / 15 mL of olive oil to the skillet. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Add Tomatoes: Toss the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the asparagus. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the cherry tomatoes begin to soften and blister slightly.
6. Combine and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon in the basil pesto and stir everything together gently to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve Hot: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• Calories: 625 kcal, Fat: 48g, Protein: 41g, Total Carbohydrates: 14g, Fiber: 4g, Net Carbohydrates: 10g.
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Success
• For the best golden-brown sear on your chicken, cook it in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
• Use a high-quality, store-bought pesto with minimal sugar, or make your own for the freshest flavor. Check the to ensure it’s keto-compliant.
• Feel free to swap the asparagus for other keto-friendly vegetables like broccoli florets, zucchini, or bell peppers. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Elevate the dish by topping it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
