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RECIPE: Pesto Chicken Bowl
- Kayla Hilhorst
- Nov 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Looking to add a little green goodness to your meal? This Pesto Chicken Bowl is packed with vibrant colors, delicious textures, and all the nutrients you need to fuel your body. Easy to make and even easier to love, this bowl is sure to become a favorite!
Key Points About the Recipe:
Flavorful and Fresh: The homemade pesto adds a rich, garlicky, and herby flavor to the tender chicken and fresh veggies, making each bite an explosion of taste.
High-Protein: With lean chicken breast and protein-packed greens, this bowl provides plenty of fuel to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Customizable: Mix up the veggies, add some quinoa or rice for extra carbs, or switch to a plant-based protein – this bowl is totally customizable to your preferences!
Health Benefits of the Recipe:
Supports Muscle Health: Thanks to the lean chicken, which is high in protein, this bowl helps with muscle repair and recovery, making it a great post-workout option.
Rich in Antioxidants: The basil in the pesto and greens in the bowl bring a wealth of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support immunity.
Boosts Healthy Fats: Olive oil and pine nuts (in the pesto) provide heart-healthy fats, contributing to satiety and supporting brain health.
Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
Chicken Breast: High in protein and low in fat, chicken breast is a lean source of protein that’s great for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Basil: This herb has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is loaded with vitamin K, which supports bone health.
Olive Oil: A staple of Mediterranean diets, olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are linked to reduced risk of heart disease.
Spinach: A nutrient powerhouse, spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
Recipe & Instructions
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup shredded carrots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pesto Sauce:
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Start by making the pesto sauce: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly add the olive oil and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
In a bowl, layer quinoa or rice, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots. Add the cooked chicken on top.
Drizzle the pesto sauce generously over the bowl, and garnish with extra basil if desired. Enjoy!
Enjoy the Pesto Chicken Bowl as a filling, nutrient-packed meal that will leave you satisfied and energized!
Ready to Fuel Your Body Right? For more nutritious recipes and wellness tips, consider booking a session with our nutritionist! We’ll help you create a meal plan tailored to your unique health goals and lifestyle. Get started on a balanced journey today!
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