Chicken Pesto Rice - Easy, Creamy, Delicious Recipe
This Chicken Pesto Rice recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken drumsticks seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian herbs, paired with a rich, creamy pesto-infused rice. The dish is enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
For the Rice
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon pesto sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅛ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoon tomato puree
- Handful of chopped spinach
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- French chopped basil, for garnish
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken drumsticks evenly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken with sun-dried tomato oil to infuse flavor and ensure a crispy skin when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken drumsticks. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes depending on size, turning occasionally to avoid burning.
- Prepare the Rice Base: In a separate large pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried parsley to create a flavorful base.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato puree, and pesto sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently to meld all flavors together.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Add the chopped spinach to the simmering sauce and cook until wilted. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and the rice sauce is creamy and cohesive.
- Combine with Cooked Rice: Fold the cooked rice into the creamy pesto mixture, ensuring all grains are well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pesto rice and top with the cooked chicken drumsticks. Garnish with French chopped basil for a fresh, aromatic finish. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- To save time, you can bake the chicken drumsticks at 400°F for 25-30 minutes instead of pan-cooking.
- Use pre-cooked or leftover rice to speed up the preparation.
- Adjust the pesto amount depending on your taste preference for stronger herb flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Make sure to not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
