Chicken Pesto Rice

This Chicken Pesto Rice recipe is a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken drumsticks with a creamy pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Served with tender cooked rice, this flavorful meal is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of parmesan cheese, spinach, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just looking for a comforting meal, this chicken rice recipe will be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 ½ tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
• For the Rice:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon pesto sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ⅛ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato puree
  • Handful of chopped spinach
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • French chopped basil
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Make a cut down one side of each drumstick, slicing to the bone. Open the chicken out to butterfly it. In a large bowl, mix the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the drumsticks evenly with the seasoning mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drumsticks and cook for 3 minutes on each side, allowing them to brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato puree. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the skillet.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried parsley to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 2-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Add the parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Combine Chicken and Rice: Add the cooked rice (or pasta) and chicken drumsticks to the skillet. Stir to combine, heating everything through. Top with fresh chopped basil and serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Pesto Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender, juicy chicken drumsticks with a rich, creamy pesto sauce. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and spinach adds layers of flavor, making it a comforting meal perfect for weeknights. The pesto sauce gives the dish a fragrant and vibrant twist, while the smoked paprika adds depth to the seasoning. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Tips

• Butterfly the chicken: Butterflying the drumsticks ensures they cook more evenly and faster, allowing the seasoning to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes after adding the parmesan. You can also add more parmesan for extra creaminess.
• Flavor balance: If the sauce feels too rich, balance it with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: You can substitute the drumsticks with chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is already gluten-free when you use rice as the base. If you want to switch to gluten-free pasta, you can substitute the rice with gluten-free pasta for a different texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for a satisfying vegetarian dish.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat and add the rice when ready to serve.
• Can I use store-bought pesto? Absolutely! While homemade pesto gives the dish a fresh flavor, store-bought pesto works just as well in this recipe for convenience.
• Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop and add freshly cooked rice before serving.

Serving

Serve this Chicken Pesto Rice with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil on top.

Suggestions

• Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or drizzle with chili oil.
• Make it a one-pan meal: For a more convenient, one-pan version, you can cook the rice directly in the sauce, allowing the flavors to infuse throughout.