Asparagus Pesto Chicken with Vegetable Rice- Every now and then you have to apply some new different techniques to a favorite dish. That’s how I came up with the idea to make a pesto out of asparagus and the flavors did not disappoint. The truth is a friend asked me to cook for her and this is some ingredients she had in her fridge and this is the dish I came up with.
Asparagus Pesto Chicken with Vegetable Rice
Asparagus Pesto Chicken with Vegetable Rice- Every now and then you have to apply some new different techniques to a favorite dish. That’s how I came up with the idea to make a pesto out of asparagus and the flavors did not disappoint.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1 lbs. chicken tenders
- zest of half a lemon
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian herbs
- Vegetable Rice:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ½ onion chopped
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- ½ orange bell pepper chopped
- 1 garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger chopped
- 1 ¼ cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Asparagus Pesto:
- 12 asparagus trimmed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- 2 cups basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- 1-1 ½ cups canola oil
Instructions
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Season chicken evenly on both sides with lemon zest, spices and herbs, sit to the side while you prepare the remaining components.
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In a pot over medium heat, add oil, onion and bell peppers cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger stir then add rice, salt and pepper cook for 1 minute, add stock bring to a boil reduce heat cover with lid and cook on low heat for 14 minutes.
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To make pesto, add enough water to a pot to cover asparagus bring water to a boil add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes depending on the thickness. Drain and add to a food blender. Add walnuts, garlic, basil, parmesan, black pepper, salt and cayenne. Cut on high and slowly add oil. Pesto should be smooth and not clumpy. If pesto is to thick add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until smooth.
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In a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat, add oil and chicken and cook for 3 minutes, flip over and add a dollop of pesto to each tender and pop in the oven for 5 minutes. Serve hot over rice garnish with basil.
Recipe Notes
Preheat oven to 375 F
