PF
Savor a plate of chicken pesto pasta topped with fresh herbs and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Stovetop~20 minComplexity

2 Ingredient Pesto Chicken

This 2 Ingredient Pesto Chicken provides 4g protein and 148 calories per serving — a minimal protein option best used as a flavor accent. Quick-preps 4 servings on the stovetop for fast meal assembly. Better as a supporting component in larger meals than a standalone protein builder for training days.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless

    Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.

  • Basil Pesto, Prepared(120g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional - adjust to your tastes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Tomato, Cherry(500g)

Instructions

  1. 1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then coat all sides evenly with the basil pesto (approximately 2 tablespoons per breast). Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  2. 2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot. Place the pesto-coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
  3. 3Flip the chicken and cook for another 6–7 minutes over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and no pink remains inside.
  4. 4Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board. Add the cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes over medium-high heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
  5. 5Slice or portion the chicken breasts into equal servings. Divide the chicken and tomatoes evenly into 4 airtight meal prep containers while still warm.
  6. 6Top each portion with additional basil pesto if desired. Allow containers to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Nutrition — Per Serving

148

calories

4g

protein

12g

fat

Carbohydrates
8g
Saturated fat
2.1g
Sodium
187 mg
Dietary fiber
2.0g

4 servings per batch · ~155g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does 2 Ingredient Pesto Chicken have per serving?

Each serving contains 4g of protein and 148 calories, making this a minimal protein contributor. The macro breakdown includes 12g fat and 8g carbs, so this functions better as a low-calorie flavor add-on than a standalone protein.

How long does 2 Ingredient Pesto Chicken take to prep?

Listed as quick prep with 4 servings, this recipe is fast to execute and batch-friendly for portioning throughout the week. The two-ingredient simplicity keeps active cooking time minimal.

Is 2 Ingredient Pesto Chicken good for fat loss?

At 148 calories per serving with 12g fat, this is calorie-efficient enough for a cut phase when used as a flavor component in larger meals. Pair it with vegetables and lean carbs to avoid spiking fat intake while keeping total calories in check.

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