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One-Pan Keto Pesto Chicken with Veggies – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

One-Pan Keto Pesto Chicken with Veggies

A quick, flavorful, and easy one-pan keto dinner featuring tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a delicious basil pesto sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this is healthy eating at its most delicious and effortless.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 serving
Calories: 625

Ingredients
  

  • 1.0 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch / 2.5 cm cubes
  • 1.0 lb (450 g) asparagus, woody ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch / 5 cm pieces
  • 2.0 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil, divided
  • 1.0 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) 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
  • 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.

Method
 

  1. Directions
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp / 15 mL of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Set Chicken Aside: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
  6. Sauté the Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tbsp / 15 mL of olive oil to the skillet.
  7. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns bright green and tender-crisp.
  8. Add Tomatoes: Toss the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the asparagus.
  9. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the cherry tomatoes begin to soften and blister slightly.
  10. Combine and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon in the basil pesto and stir everything together gently to coat.
  11. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
  12. Serve Hot: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 625kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 41gFat: 48g

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