Shredded Pesto Chicken (Recipe)

This Shredded Pesto Chicken recipe is a quick and easy meal that is packed with flavor. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and is versatile enough to be served on baked sweet potatoes, brown rice, in wraps, or on homemade pizza. The chicken is shredded and coated in a delicious homemade dairy-free pesto sauce, making it a healthy and satisfying option for a balanced meal. This recipe can also be prepared in advance and used for meal prep throughout the week.

Key Takeaways:

• Shredded Pesto Chicken is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
• This recipe is versatile and can be served in various ways, such as on baked sweet potatoes, brown rice, in wraps, or on homemade pizza.
• The chicken is shredded and coated in a homemade dairy-free pesto sauce, adding a burst of flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Pesto Chicken is a healthy option, high in protein and low in saturated fat and carbs.
• This recipe can be prepared in advance and used for meal prep throughout the week.

Why Make this Recipe

There are several reasons why you should try this Shredded Pesto Chicken recipe. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal or a convenient option for busy days, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

1. Healthy: This Shredded Pesto Chicken is a healthy choice as it is high in protein and low in saturated fat and carbs. It’s a delicious way to fuel your body with nutrients without compromising on taste.
2. Make ahead: With our recipe, you can easily make the shredded chicken in advance and incorporate it into your weekly meal prep routine. This saves you time and ensures that you have a nutritious option ready to go whenever you need it.
3. Quick and easy: With just two main ingredients and 5 minutes of prep work, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal.
4. Dietary needs: Whether you’re following a low-carb, dairy-free, or gluten-free dietary plan, this recipe caters to your needs. It’s a versatile dish that fits into a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.

So, whether you’re looking for a healthy option, a make-ahead meal, a quick and easy recipe, or something that caters to your dietary needs, this Shredded Pesto Chicken is the perfect choice.

Ingredient Notes

The key ingredients for this recipe are chicken and pesto. Chicken breasts are preferred as they are easier to shred and contain less fat than chicken thighs. Air chilled chicken is recommended for the healthiest and tastiest option. As for the pesto, homemade dairy-free pesto sauce is recommended for the best flavor. However, store-bought pesto can also be used as a convenient alternative.

Step by Step Instructions

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Shredded Pesto Chicken:

1. Prepare the pesto sauce using your desired method. You can either make a homemade pesto sauce or use store-bought pesto. If making it from scratch, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Next, shred the chicken using your preferred method. You can use a slow cooker, instant pot, boiling, or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Choose the method that works best for you. If using raw chicken breasts, cook them thoroughly before shredding.
3. Once the chicken is shredded, take the prepared pesto sauce and mix it in with the shredded chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the pesto sauce, ensuring that every piece is well-coated.
4. Your Shredded Pesto Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it on baked sweet potatoes, brown rice, in wraps, or on homemade pizza for a delicious and satisfying meal.

A mouthwatering plate of Shredded Pesto Chicken, coated in a flavorful pesto sauce.

Recipe Tips

When preparing this delicious Shredded Pesto Chicken recipe, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Choose your method: There are different methods you can use to prepare the shredded chicken. You can opt for the convenience of a slow cooker, the speed of an instant pot, the simplicity of boiling, or even use a rotisserie chicken as a time-saving hack.
2. Use homemade pesto for the best flavor: While store-bought pesto can be a convenient option, it is highly recommended to use the homemade dairy-free pesto recipe provided in this post. The fresh ingredients and simple preparation make a significant difference in the overall taste and quality of your dish.
3. Get creative with your shredded chicken: Don’t limit yourself to just one dish! This versatile shredded chicken can be used in various meals. Try using it as a topping for homemade pesto chicken pizzas, stuffing it into baked sweet potatoes for flavorful and satisfying stuffed pesto chicken sweet potatoes, or even incorporating it into delectable chicken enchiladas.

By following these recipe tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering shredded chicken dish with homemade pesto that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

How to Store and Reheat

Proper storage and reheating techniques are crucial to maintain the quality and flavor of your shredded chicken. Follow these guidelines to ensure optimal results:

Storage:

To store your shredded chicken, follow these steps:

1. Place the shredded chicken in an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors from entering.
2. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
3. Store the container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) or below.
4. Your shredded chicken can be stored for up to four days in the refrigerator.

Freezing:

If you want to extend the storage time of your shredded chicken, freezing is a great option:

1. Cool the shredded chicken completely before freezing it.
2. Transfer the chicken to sealable freezer bags or containers.
3. Remove any excess air from the bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
5. Place the bags or containers in the freezer where the temperature is set at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
6. Your shredded chicken can be frozen for up to four months without compromising its quality.

Reheating:

When it’s time to enjoy your shredded chicken again, you have several reheating options:

• Microwave: Transfer the desired amount of shredded chicken to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shredded chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Stovetop: Add a small amount of water or broth to a skillet and heat over medium-low heat. Once simmering, add the shredded chicken and stir occasionally until heated through.

Remember, when reheating the shredded chicken on the stovetop, adding moisture with water or broth can help prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Shredded Pesto Chicken recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a make-ahead option for meal prep, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

The star of this dish is the mouthwatering homemade dairy-free pesto sauce that coats the tender shredded chicken. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil creates a pesto sauce bursting with flavor. It adds a vibrant and aromatic element to the dish that will have you coming back for seconds.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. The Shredded Pesto Chicken can be served in a variety of ways to suit your taste and preferences. Whether it’s piled on top of a baked sweet potato, mixed with brown rice, wrapped in a tortilla, or spread on a homemade pizza, the possibilities are endless.

In addition to its deliciousness and versatility, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So why not give this Shredded Pesto Chicken recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed!