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Pesto Rice with Chicken, Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

The Best Pesto Rice with Chicken, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts

Course: Comfort Food
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: comfort food, Easy Dinner, Healthy Recipe, Meal Prep, Pesto Rice with Chicken, Quick Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal
Quick and easy Pesto Rice with Chicken, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts—a delicious, wholesome meal ready in 30 minutes.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Casserole Dish

Ingredients

For the Base

  • 3 cups Cooked Brown Rice Pre-cooked or frozen varieties recommended.
  • 1 cup Prepared Pesto High-quality options like Kirkland brand are ideal.

For the Accents

  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.

For the Protein

  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.

For the Freshness

  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can be substituted with other types of tomatoes.

For the Crunch

  • 0.5 cup Pine Nuts Toast them beforehand for best flavor.

For the Drizzle (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons Honey Balsamic Glaze Optional for added flavor.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Combine the rice, pesto, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed.
  • Add diced chicken and halved grape tomatoes to the bowl. Gently mix to combine.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top.
  • Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until heated through and slightly golden.
  • Serve with a drizzle of honey balsamic glaze if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg