Pesto Zucchini Chicken Bowl (Print Version)

A vibrant Mediterranean bowl featuring succulent chicken, zucchini noodles, and fragrant basil pesto in just 35 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Zucchini Noodles

06 - 4 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 lbs), spiralized
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Pesto

09 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
10 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnishes

11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
13 - Fresh basil leaves

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and sauté for 7-9 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
02 - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add spiralized zucchini and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently, until just tender but still crisp.
03 - Remove skillet from heat. Add cooked chicken back to the pan. Add basil pesto and lemon juice. Toss everything gently until well combined and heated through.
04 - Divide the pesto zucchini chicken mixture among four bowls.
05 - Top each bowl with grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in half an hour and tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The zucchini stays crisp and light, never soggy or watery if you follow the timing.
  • Pesto clings to every strand and bite of chicken, delivering big flavor without heavy sauces.
  • It works beautifully for meal prep and tastes just as good the next day.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the zucchini noodles or they will turn mushy and release water that dilutes the pesto.
  • Remove the skillet from heat before adding the pesto to prevent it from separating or becoming oily.
  • If your chicken pieces are uneven in size, flatten them slightly with your palm so they cook at the same rate.
03 -
  • Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet for a minute or two before adding them—it brings out a nutty richness that elevates the whole bowl.
  • Use a spiralizer with a firm grip or stabilize it with a damp towel underneath to avoid the wobbling mess I experienced early on.
  • If your pesto seems too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of pasta water or reserved chicken juices for a silkier coating.
Go Back