Description
Tender balsamic-glazed chicken served over creamy, Parmesan-laced pesto rice—a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 large (about 1 pound)
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1/3 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Cloves: 3 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Basil Pesto: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/3 cup, grated
- Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and a saucepan over medium heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken in this mixture and let it marinate for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the saucepan, add olive oil and toast the rice for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Assemble the Dish: In the skillet, add olive oil and sear the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Pour remaining marinade into the skillet and simmer until it thickens into a glaze.
- Cook to Perfection: When rice is done, stir in butter, pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Finishing Touches: Slice the glazed chicken and place it on top of the creamy pesto rice. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, tangy bite.
Notes
- Use freshly made pesto for best flavor.
- Let the balsamic glaze cool slightly for thicker consistency.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg