Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice

Looking for a low-carb meal that still packs tons of flavor and comfort? This Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice is the perfect solution! Juicy sautéed chicken is tossed with fresh basil pesto and served over fluffy cauliflower rice for a healthy, satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great option for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or when you’re craving something wholesome and delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – Light and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Quick & Easy – A full meal made in under 30 minutes.
One-Skillet Wonder – Less mess and easy cleanup.
Fresh & Flavorful – Basil pesto adds bold, herby brightness.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Cauliflower Rice:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (12 oz) bag riced cauliflower (or 1 small head, grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pesto:

• ⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional Toppings & Mix-ins:

• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Pine nuts
• Shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Cauliflower Rice
In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the riced cauliflower and season with salt and pepper.
Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly golden.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pesto
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Stir in pesto, parmesan (if using), and lemon juice. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the cauliflower rice onto plates or into bowls.
Top with the pesto chicken and garnish with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, or cheese if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice
Use Fresh Cauliflower – Grating your own adds better texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
Don’t Overcook – Cauliflower rice should be tender but not mushy.
Choose Good Pesto – A high-quality pesto (or homemade) makes a big difference.
Brighten with Lemon – A squeeze of lemon adds freshness and balances the richness.
Add Greens – Stir in spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A light cucumber or arugula salad pairs perfectly.
Roasted Veggies – Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Garlic Bread – For non-low-carb diners, serve with crusty garlic bread.
Soup Starter – A light veggie soup makes this a cozy dinner combo.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through.
Skillet: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil or broth to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Yes! Just warm the chicken and toss with pesto before serving over the cauliflower rice.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free pesto and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

3. What kind of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto is ideal, but you can also use arugula, spinach, or sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats—perfect for keto diets.

5. Can I use pre-made cauliflower rice?
Of course! Fresh or frozen store-bought cauliflower rice works great—just make sure to cook off any excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Rice is the perfect answer to your low-carb cravings. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor thanks to savory chicken, herbaceous pesto, and the light texture of cauliflower rice. Whether you’re eating clean, meal prepping for the week, or just want a healthy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Make it tonight and enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free meal that comes together in no time!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 420mg

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