Veggie Variety with Pesto Chicken
A spin off a chicken and veggie pesto dish I found, but added more variety of veggies to sneak them in and for a variety of kid likes. It worked!
A spin off a chicken and veggie pesto dish I found, but added more variety of veggies to sneak them in and for a variety of kid likes. It worked!
- Carbohydrate 12.0035369963333 g
- Cholesterol 12.096 mg
- Fat 3.175589237 g
- Fiber 2.43670329540373 g
- Protein 6.708984345 g
- Saturated Fat 1.951186579 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (142g)
- Sodium 127.179487283333 mg
- Sugar 9.5668337009296 g
- Trans Fat 0.20776080925 g
- Calories 100 calories
Step-by-step
- Sauté veggies varied times with olive oil and garlic herb salt, works well in 2 pans.
- Pan 1) potatoes garlic salt and oil. Pan 2) asparagus garlic salt and oil, then add red pepper & squash toward middle, for cooking consistency, add tomatoes last with one of the pans to heat. Can also sauté each separately and add to bowl.
- Once each done, pour into large mixing bowl.
- Add diced chicken & Pesto, mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into baking pan, top With mozzarella.
- Bake 20-30 min at 350. Serve hot.
Veggie Variety with Pesto Chicken: A Kid-Friendly Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom, finding quick, healthy, and appealing dinners is a constant juggling act. My kids, bless their picky little hearts, can be notoriously difficult to please when it comes to vegetables. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for pesto chicken and veggies, I knew I had to give it a try, but with a twist. My goal? Sneak in as many veggies as possible without a single complaint! And you know what? It worked!
This Veggie Variety with Pesto Chicken recipe is my go-to weeknight meal. It's surprisingly simple to make, even on those days when I'm running on fumes. The vibrant colors of the vegetables make it visually appealing, and the pesto adds a delightful burst of flavor that even my most discerning eater can't resist. The best part? The versatility! I can easily adjust the vegetables based on what’s fresh at the market or what’s already lurking in my fridge. One week it might be broccoli and zucchini; the next, it could be carrots and bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s all about quick sautéing and then a short bake. There's no need for complicated techniques or hours of prep time. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal, leaving me with more time to focus on other things, like homework or simply relaxing with a good book (or maybe just a quiet cup of tea before the kids' bedtime routine begins again!).
The key to success is using a good quality pesto. I’ve experimented with homemade pesto and store-bought, and while homemade is always a winner, the convenience of store-bought pesto can’t be beat on a busy weeknight. The roasted chicken adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the pesto beautifully. But if you are short on time, feel free to use leftover cooked chicken. The mozzarella on top melts beautifully during baking, creating a wonderfully gooey and satisfying finish.
This dish isn't just a weeknight winner; it’s also a perfect way to introduce more vegetables into your family's diet. It's a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your family's preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables, cheeses, and even herbs to create your own unique version.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and kid-friendly dinner that’s bursting with flavor, give this Veggie Variety with Pesto Chicken a try. You won’t be disappointed. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it will become a favorite in yours too.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms all work well.
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick to the dish.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of quinoa or rice for a more substantial meal.
- Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Leftovers are great!: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Enjoy! And happy cooking!
