Description
15-Minute Chicken Cauliflower Rice with Pesto is a quick, wholesome, and low-carb dinner packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich vegetables. This clean eating recipe features tender chicken, cauliflower rice, and fresh basil pesto—perfect for busy weeknights and healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Rice the cauliflower if using fresh, or use pre-riced. Dice chicken and chop vegetables. Blend basil, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and nuts until smooth to make the pesto.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook cauliflower rice: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cauliflower rice and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring until tender but not mushy.
- Combine with pesto: Return chicken to the pan, add pesto, and toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Top with fresh basil, Parmesan, or toasted nuts. Serve warm with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Don’t overcook cauliflower rice—it should stay tender and fluffy.
- Add pesto at the end to keep its vibrant color and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by using tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- For meal prep: Store portions in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Low-carb option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Clean Eating, Low-Carb Recipes
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Chicken Cauliflower Rice with Pesto, Low Carb Dinner, High Protein Clean Eating, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Keto Cauliflower Rice, Pesto Chicken Skillet, 15 Minute Dinner, Quick Clean Eating Meals, No Carb Veggie Meals, Lyndy’s Kitchen