Protein bowls
pesto chicken protein bowl with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella
By:
Published:
08 Jun 2025
I've been obsessed with creating quick, healthy, and satisfying meals lately. Life gets hectic, you know? Between work, family, and trying to squeeze in a little 'me time,' cooking often feels like a chore. But it doesn't have to be! That's why I'm so excited to share this Pesto Chicken Protein Bowl recipe. It's packed with flavor, protein, and all the good stuff to keep you fueled and feeling great. I remember one afternoon, absolutely famished after a hiking trip with my friend Sarah, I needed something fast but wholesome. This bowl was born that day, and it’s been a staple ever since. Plus, cleanup is super easy – win-win!
What makes this bowl special, you ask? Well, first off, the pesto. Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, it elevates simple grilled chicken to something truly divine. Then you've got the juicy cherry tomatoes, adding a burst of sweetness, and the creamy mozzarella balls, providing a delightful contrast in texture. Combine that with a bed of hearty rice, and you've got a complete and balanced meal in one bowl. Honestly, even my picky eater of a nephew devours this. It’s that good! It’s like a little bit of sunshine and happiness in a bowl, ready to brighten up any day. You can switch it up too. Try adding some spinach for extra greens, or perhaps some Kalamata olives for a salty kick!
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Frying Pan
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Pesto Chicken Protein Bowl with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Frequently Asked Questions
Pesto Chicken Protein Bowl with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
This Pesto Chicken Protein Bowl combines juicy chicken breasts coated in vibrant pesto with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and hearty rice for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a post-workout refuel!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 1 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. This will ensure the chicken is flavorful and cooks evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pesto Coating: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, generously coat each chicken breast with fresh pesto. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny!
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions. I prefer brown rice for its nutty flavor and added fiber.
- Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. If you like, you can toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Bowl: In a large bowl, place a bed of cooked rice. Top with the pesto-coated chicken breast. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls around the chicken. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
- Drizzle and Serve: For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more pesto over the entire bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy! This bowl is fantastic warm, but I've even been known to eat it cold the next day for lunch.
📝 Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium: 150mg
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