Pesto Butter Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Pesto Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a rich pesto cream sauce, complemented by roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A drizzle of pesto
Instructions
- Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a small baking sheet. Roast for 12 minutes or until blistered and lightly caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in pesto, heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Add the roasted tomatoes and simmer for an additional 3 minutes to marry the flavors and warm the tomatoes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of pesto if desired. Serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but may require shorter cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Homemade pesto adds freshness, but store-bought pesto works well for convenience.
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Use chicken broth or dry white wine interchangeably depending on preference and availability.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
