Name: Pesto Chicken & Veggies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup zucchini, sliced; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green); 1 cup red onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Description

Pesto Chicken & Veggies is a flavorful, one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts with fresh, roasted vegetables and a rich pesto sauce. Simple to prepare and full of Mediterranean flavors, this healthy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a balanced meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup zucchini, sliced

1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)

1 cup red onion, sliced

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, toss the zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Arrange Chicken and Veggies: Spread the seasoned chicken breasts on a large baking sheet or in a baking dish. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken.
Add Pesto Sauce: Drizzle the pesto sauce over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly on top.
Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Optional Step: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the roasted vegetables for added flavor.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use Different Pesto: Swap the traditional basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or a spinach-based pesto for a new flavor profile.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle some fresh mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking for a creamy finish.
Swap Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower for variety.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, add chickpeas or roasted vegetables as the protein.

Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting, Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean