Do you put pesto on chicken before or after cooking?

Quick Answer: After. Pesto burns easily, so it’s best to cook the chicken first, then stir in the pesto at the end. This keeps the flavor fresh and prevents bitter, overcooked herbs.

Can I eat pesto on a keto diet?

Quick Answer: Yes. Most traditional pestos (made with olive oil, basil, garlic, and cheese) are naturally low-carb and high-fat—perfect for keto. Just check the label for added sugars or sneaky fillers if using store-bought.

How do you bake chicken with pesto on keto?

Quick Answer: Bake chicken breasts at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, then spoon keto-friendly pesto on top during the last 5 minutes or right after baking. This keeps it saucy and prevents the pesto from drying out.

Which pesto is best for chicken?

Quick Answer: Basil pesto is the classic go-to for chicken. Look for one with minimal ingredients—olive oil, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan. For more variety, try arugula pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto (just watch the carb count).

Keto Pesto Chicken Skillet – Quick & Tasty One-Pan Dinner

Name: Keto Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American

Description

This keto pesto chicken skillet is a solo cook’s dream: one pan, low-carb, high-flavor. Quick, cheesy, garlicky—zero leftovers, all satisfaction.

Ingredients

1 small chicken breast (boneless, skinless)

1 ½ tbsp keto-friendly pesto

1 tbsp olive oil

½ cup cherry tomatoes or zucchini

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: shredded mozzarella or parmesan

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken; sear until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Toss in cherry tomatoes or zucchini; sauté 2–3 minutes.

5. Lower heat, stir in pesto to coat everything.

6. Add cheese if using; melt slightly, then serve.

Notes

Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet for easy cleanup.
Don’t add pesto too early—wait until the end to avoid burning.
Swap veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skillet
Calories: 385
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: keto pesto chicken skillet, one pan chicken keto, low carb chicken dinner