One-Pan Chicken Pesto Rice with Spinach

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

A simple one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fragrant basil pesto, and nutritious spinach over fluffy rice. This Italian-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, grated (optional) parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced small yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tsp salt, bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes over low heat until rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove the lid, stir in 1/3 cup basil pesto, cooked chicken pieces, and 3 cups fresh baby spinach. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
6. Step 6: Optional: sprinkle 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese before serving.