Name: One-Pot Pesto Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American

Project Meal Plan Verified

March 4, 2026

One-pot, no chopping veggies, and ready in about 35 minutes. This One-Pot Pesto Chicken and Rice combines juicy chicken, tender rice, green beans, mushrooms, and peas in a savory broth, all finished with a bright, flavorful pesto. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something comforting without a ton of prep.

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One-Pot Pesto Chicken and Rice

Project Meal Plan Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a deep non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add chicken thighs to the hot pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until browning on the bottom. Flip thighs and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes or until just browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon additional oil to the same pan. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then add green beans and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add broth to the pan. Let it come to a low boil and then reduce heat to low. Add rice and stir until all rice is fully saturated in liquid. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and let cook over low heat for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, the rice should be fully cooked and very little liquid should remain in the pan. Remove the chicken, cut it up into bite sized pieces, and return it to the pan, along with the peas and pesto. Stir until well mixed and serve immediately. Store for up to 4 days in airtight containers.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Sear Chicken Thighs First 🍗
Brown the chicken thighs in avocado oil for 3-4 minutes per side before adding liquid to develop a golden crust and deeper flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Reserve Pesto for Last 🌿
Stir in the pesto during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking to preserve its vibrant color, fresh basil aroma, and bright flavor that can diminish with prolonged heat.
Toast Rice Briefly 🍚
Lightly toast the jasmine rice in the pot for 1-2 minutes before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor and help individual grains stay separate and fluffy.
Use Chicken Thighs Over Breast 🎯
Chicken thighs contain more fat and connective tissue, keeping them incredibly juicy and forgiving even if slightly overcooked, unlike drier chicken breast.
Don't Stir Too Early ⏱️
Avoid stirring for the first 15-18 minutes of simmering to allow rice to cook undisturbed and develop proper texture; stir gently only once or twice after that point.

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About the Cook

Project Meal Plan

Hi, I’m Danielle! My passion for meal planning came from a desire to save money and reduce food waste, and I want to share it with you! Besides cooking and photography, I absolutely love my cats & chicken (yes, just one!), growing food in my yard, and hot sandwiches!