Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast; Kosher salt; Black pepper; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup pesto; ¼ cup milk; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 8 ounces cherry tomatoes; Fresh basil for garnish

If you’re craving a dinner that’s indulgently creamy yet bright with herbaceous flavor, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special without any fuss.

A black cast iron skillet holds four golden brown chicken pieces, each resting on a layer of bright green sauce. Scattered around the chicken are many small, shiny red cherry tomatoes. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top of the chicken and between the tomatoes, adding bright spots of color. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of fresh basil and a wooden pepper mill nearby. A blue and white striped cloth peeks from one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how effortlessly this skillet meal comes together. The golden chicken breasts soak up a luscious pesto cream sauce packed with fresh cherry tomatoes, making every bite a burst of Italian-inspired comfort.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the wait.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The blend of pesto, milk, and chicken broth creates a sauce that’s both silky and deeply savory.
Fresh and Vibrant: Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil add pops of color and brightness to balance the richness.
Flexible and Friendly: You can easily swap ingredients like chicken thighs or alternative milk without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping, here’s a quick rundown of what goes into this creamy pesto chicken. I always recommend picking fresh basil pesto and the ripest cherry tomatoes you can find for the best flavor, and don’t forget to season your chicken well for that perfect golden crust.

Flat lay of a boneless skinless chicken breast, a small pile of kosher salt crystals, whole black peppercorns scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with olive oil, half a medium yellow onion diced finely on a simple white plate, three peeled garlic cloves whole, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small mound of vibrant green pesto, a small white bowl of milk, a cluster of fresh red cherry tomatoes with stems, and a few fresh green basil leaves artfully placed, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean, it cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and depth to the dish.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics with a touch of richness.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that mellows as it cooks down.
Garlic cloves: Adds fragrant warmth that’s key to Italian-inspired cooking.
Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the sauce for richness and body.
Pesto: The star ingredient, delivering that vibrant basil flavor with a hint of nuttiness and garlic.
Milk: Creates a creamy texture while keeping the sauce light enough not to overpower.
Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness and balance the creaminess beautifully.
Fresh basil: For garnish and that fresh herbal lift right before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re after a heartier meal, a lighter dish, or something a bit different in season, there’s a simple swap or addition that can take it to the next level.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful experience, I often use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up that creamy pesto sauce.
Dairy-free version: If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. I did this once for a friend and couldn’t tell the difference – the sauce still came out rich and comforting!
Gluten-free adaptation: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep things safe and delicious. This swap works just as well to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.
Seasonal boost: Throughout summer, I like tossing in fresh chopped spinach or baby arugula just before serving to add a peppery bite and extra greens to this Italian-inspired skillet.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds three main layers: on the left, a grilled light brown, slightly crispy piece of chicken resting on a spread of green pesto sauce; on the right, a mound of pale yellow spaghetti mixed with roasted red cherry tomatoes, lightly coated with the same pesto; fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding bright color contrast, and black pepper is lightly sprinkled over the spaghetti. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Perfectly

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise or gently pounding them to a uniform ½ inch thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper – don’t be shy here, seasoning is key! This simple prep locks in flavor and helps your chicken get that beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Flour Power for a Crispy Crust

Place ¼ cup of all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any extra. This flour coat creates a light crust that browns beautifully and also helps thicken your sauce later on. Set the coated chicken aside on a sheet tray until ready to cook.

Step 3: Golden Brown and Delicious

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Internal temperature should be 165°F if you’re measuring. Remove the chicken to a plate and wipe out the skillet to prepare for the sauce.

Step 4: Aromatics Bring It All Together

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This mellow sweetness builds the base of your sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 5: Make the Roux and Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir it around with a wooden spoon to combine, cooking the flour slightly to remove its raw taste. Now, the magic begins: slowly drizzle in the chicken broth a bit at a time while stirring continuously. This steady mix prevents lumps and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce base.

Step 6: Add Pesto, Milk, and Cherry Tomatoes

With your broth fully incorporated, stir in the vibrant pesto and creamy milk until everything melds together beautifully. Once combined, add the cherry tomatoes whole. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook down for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly and the tomatoes soften but still hold their shape.

Step 7: Final Touch – Reunite and Warm Through

Reduce the heat to low and nestle the cooked chicken pieces right back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over them. Let everything warm through together for about 2 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld so each bite is full of that creamy, pesto goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan, paired with your favorite side—perhaps a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy your easy, delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most flavor and the perfect texture in your Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe — making weeknight dinners feel like a breeze and a treat all at once!

Perfectly Thin Chicken: I always pound my chicken breasts or slice them thinly, about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, giving you that golden crust without drying out.
Slowly Add Broth: When making the sauce, adding the chicken broth slowly while stirring helps avoid lumps and gives that silky smooth texture we all love in a creamy pesto sauce.
Tomatoes Last: Adding the cherry tomatoes towards the end keeps them juicy and vibrant, instead of mushy, balancing the richness of the sauce with a fresh pop of sweetness.
Don’t Skip Wiping the Skillet: After removing the chicken, wiping out the skillet before the sauce step keeps the flavors clean and prevents burnt bits from turning bitter.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

A black round pan filled with a creamy green sauce that has a smooth and slightly bubbly texture. On top of the sauce, there are about twenty whole bright red cherry tomatoes evenly spread across the surface. The pan is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a beautiful, fragrant finishing touch. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the creamy pesto flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even a bed of fluffy couscous or creamy polenta. Steamed or sautéed green beans or asparagus also make fantastic complements.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the milk for almond or oat milk, keeping the creamy texture without dairy.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour when dredging the chicken and making the sauce roux. This keeps the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce components separately ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and finish cooking right before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about the combination of tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and creamy sauce – and this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe delivers it in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight winner that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your table with ease and warmth. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do!