In the hustle and bustle of modern life, There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a delicious meal. Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Recipe is one of them.
In this culinary adventure, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly embodies the art of culinary simplicity – Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken. With a handful of quality ingredients, a pinch of spice, and a dash of creativity, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Trader Joe’s, a beloved haven for food enthusiasts, plays a starring role in this recipe. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey that marries convenience with gourmet taste, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Ingredients for Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Recipe
- 1 Onion
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 2 packs of boneless, skinless chicken
- 3 tsp Salt
- Kirkland Spice (to taste)
- Juice of one lemon
- Quinoa Pasta Gluten-Free
- Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto Paste
- Tin of Corn
- Romaine Lettuce
- Arugula
- Strawberries
- Almond Flakes
Equipment & Tools Required
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large skillet with lid
- Pasta pot with strainer
- Mixing bowl
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Step by Step
1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Begin by sautéing finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally for a few minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
2. Add Chicken Pieces: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Continue cooking until the chicken starts to brown slightly.
3. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle salt and Kirkland spice (to your desired level of spiciness) over the chicken. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken pieces, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Cook Pasta: While the chicken is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the quinoa pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, strain the pasta and return it to the pot.
5. Toss with Pesto and Corn: Add Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto Paste and the tin of corn to the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the delicious pesto.
6. Prepare the Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine Romaine lettuce, arugula, strawberries, and almond flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to your liking, then toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Now, it’s time to plate your dish! Arrange the flavorful pesto pasta alongside the succulent Pesto Chicken. Serve the fresh strawberry and almond salad on the side for a burst of contrasting flavors and textures.
Kindly view the provided video for a more in-depth grasp of the process.
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Creative Serving Ideas for Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken
1. Pesto Chicken Panini: Slice the cooked Pesto Chicken and layer it onto a fresh baguette or ciabatta bread. Add some roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese, and a generous dollop of extra pesto. Grill the sandwich to perfection for a warm and gooey Pesto Chicken Panini.
2. Pesto Chicken Pizza: Use the Pesto Chicken as a delightful pizza topping. Spread a thin layer of pesto on your pizza dough, add some shredded mozzarella, sliced cherry tomatoes, and your cooked Pesto Chicken pieces. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
3. Pesto Chicken Salad Bowl: Create a vibrant salad bowl by placing a bed of mixed greens and arugula at the bottom. Top it with sliced Pesto Chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy meal.
4. Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of cooked Pesto Chicken, cooked quinoa, and diced tomatoes. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
5. Pesto Chicken Quesadillas: Make scrumptious quesadillas by placing Pesto Chicken between tortillas with some shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with sour cream and salsa for a Mexican-inspired twist.
6. Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: Mix cooked quinoa pasta, Pesto Chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake until golden brown for a comforting pasta bake.
7. Pesto Chicken Tacos: Warm up soft corn tortillas, then fill them with sliced Pesto Chicken, diced avocado, fresh salsa, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Squeeze some lime juice for a zesty kick.
8. Pesto Chicken Flatbread: Spread a thin layer of pesto over flatbread and top it with sliced Pesto Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and crumbled goat cheese. Bake until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melty.
Some Special tips on this Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Recipe
1. Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this recipe relies on a few key ingredients, make sure they are of high quality ingredients. Look for fresh chicken, flavorful pesto, and good-quality pasta for the best results.
2. Prep Before You Cook: Assemble all your ingredients, chop the onion and garlic, and measure out your spices and seasonings before you start cooking. This will help you stay organized and ensure a smooth cooking process.
3. Chicken Size Matters: Try to cut your chicken pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This will prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s simmering. Overcooking can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out.
5. Customize the Spice: Adjust the Kirkland spice to your personal taste. If you like it spicier, add more; if you prefer it milder, use less. Taste as you go to get it just right.
6. Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Quinoa pasta is a great gluten-free option, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Just follow the package instructions for cooking to achieve perfectly al dente pasta.
7. Toss the Pasta Quickly: After cooking the pasta, drain it and immediately add the pesto and corn while it’s still hot. This will allow the pasta to absorb the flavors better.
8. Balance the Salad Dressing: When preparing the salad, drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in moderation at first. You can always add more if needed, but it’s hard to correct an overdressed salad.
9. Leftovers Can Shine: Don’t forget that these ingredients make fantastic leftovers. The flavors often meld together even more the next day, making for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
FAQs on Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Recipe
Here we have collect some commonly asked questions and their short answers on Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Recipe
1. How to cook pesto chicken breast from Trader Joe’s?
To cook Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken, follow these steps: Sauté onion and garlic, add chicken pieces, season with salt and spices, squeeze lemon juice, and simmer until cooked through.
2. How do you eat Trader Joe’s pesto?
Trader Joe’s Pesto is versatile! Use it as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, pizza topping, salad dressing, or marinade for meats and vegetables.
3. What does pesto chicken go with?
Pesto Chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like quinoa pasta, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
4. Can I freeze Trader Joe’s pesto chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Pesto Chicken. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
5. Is Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto Paste a good substitute for traditional pesto?
Yes, Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto Paste is a flavorful and dairy-free alternative that works well in most recipes calling for traditional pesto.
6. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless chicken is recommended for quicker cooking, you can use bone-in chicken with adjusted cooking times for equally delicious results.
7. Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free quinoa pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred pasta type, whether it’s regular, gluten-free, or a whole-grain variety.
8. What’s the best way to reheat leftover Pesto Chicken?
Reheat Pesto Chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
9. Are there any dairy-free cheese options to pair with Pesto Chicken?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives like almond or cashew-based cheeses for a lactose-free option.
10. Can I substitute the almonds with another type of nut in the salad?
Certainly! Walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans make excellent substitutes for almonds in the salad, providing a unique flavor twist.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often seek solace in quick, yet delicious meals. Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Recipe not only provides a solution but also elevates your dining experience right at home.
In just 25 minutes, you can savor a dish that balances the richness of tender chicken coated in zesty lemony pesto with the freshness of a vibrant strawberry-almond salad.
This recipe showcases the convenience of ingredients readily available at your nearest Trader Joe’s store, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
The fusion of flavors, from the herbaceous pesto to the sweet burst of strawberries, is nothing short of spectacular.
Trader Joe’s has once again proven its prowess in simplifying cooking while delivering extraordinary taste. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never look at a weeknight dinner the same way again. Cheers to flavorful, effortless dining!
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