Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Pesto Chicken Recipe

When you need a meal that is strictly gluten-free but fresh and full of flavor, this Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Pesto Chicken is the perfect solution. We picked up all our ingredients from Trader Joe’s for this simple meal, and it did not disappoint. It’s easy to make with just a large skillet and cooked pasta.

We just recently got a new Trader Joe’s, so my daughter and I have been enjoying shopping there for ingredients for dinner, this time we decided to pick up everything we needed for Pesto Chicken. This entire meal is made right on the stovetop and can be adjusted to your taste preference with a little additional garlic salt. This dish delivers tender, juicy chicken with a rich, vibrant, and aromatic green sauce that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.

Table of contents

• What is Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Pesto Chicken?
• What You’ll Love About This Recipe
• Ingredient Notes
• How to Make Skillet Pesto Chicken
• Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken Skillet
• Variations and Substitutions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What to Serve with Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Pesto
• Storage Tips

What is Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Pesto Chicken?

This easy gluten-free skillet pesto chicken recipe is a quick, one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken seared on the stovetop and simmered in a rich, aromatic basil pesto sauce. This naturally gluten-free meal utilizes smart grocery shortcuts like pre-made jarred pesto to infuse the protein with deep Italian flavor. We prefer to grab the basil pesto from Trader Joe’s.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!
• Uses simple, pantry ingredients.
• All ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or Trader Joe’s.
• Easy to make gluten-free.
• Perfect for a busy weeknight meal with minimal clean up.

Ingredient Notes

• Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta – This recipe is served with pasta. We used the gluten-free rotini pasta from Trader Joe’s, but any gluten-free pasta will work. This will be prepared separately, drained, and then combined with the chicken and sauce.
• Olive Oil – Used to coat the pan and create a gorgeous sear on the outside of the chicken.
• Crushed Garlic – Mixed into the olive oil to create a delicious flavor.
• Pepper – Used to season the chicken.
• Salt – Also used to season the chicken.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – We prefer chicken thighs, but chicken breasts will work just as well.
• Pesto Sauce – This can be a jarred sauce or a homemade sauce. I use Basil Pesto from Trader Joe’s. Remember to be sure to check all ingredients to verify your sauce is gluten-free.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Used to provide aromatic flavor and taste to the pesto chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Adds a cheesy finish to the pesto chicken.
• Dried Parsley – Used to garnish the pesto chicken.
• Garlic Salt – Can be added when serving to taste if preferred.

How to Make Skillet Pesto Chicken

1. Prepare the pasta as instructed on the package and set aside.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Once seasoned, cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized cubes before adding to the skillet.
3. Add the olive oil and crushed garlic to a 12-inch deep-sided skillet, and bring to medium heat.
4. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook the thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
5. Once fully cooked, add in the sliced tomatoes and let them sear for about 5 minutes or until soft.
6. Stir in the pesto sauce into the skillet with the chicken and tomatoes.
7. Pour the drained pasta into the skillet and continue to mix to combine the ingredients.
8. Top the pasta with thinly sliced mozzarella cheese and dried parsley.
9. Place a lid on the skillet on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
10. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken Skillet

• Be sure to check the pesto label before using. These are typically naturally gluten-free, but always need to be inspected to verify that there is no gluten cross-contamination.
• Let the chicken fully cook in the hot skillet, rotating it on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Start by adding 1/4 cup of pesto sauce, and add additional sauce if preferred.
• I do not like to add any additional garlic salt, but my family does; this can be added up to your personal taste preference for additional flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Creamy Twist – Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the skillet alongside the pesto for a creamy, rich sauce.
• Swap the Protein – Add chicken breasts or pork chops.
• Make it Low-Carb – Serve with cooked spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most traditional pesto is naturally gluten-free because they are made from basil, oil, cheese, garlic, and nuts. Some brands, though, use fillers; always be sure to read the label carefully to ensure there is no cross-contamination.

Frozen chicken must be completely thawed before cooking in the skillet.

If you are making your own pesto, use sunflower seeds or extra cheese to build the texture.

Always use a meat thermometer to be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Pesto

Gluten-Free Pasta or Spaghetti Noodles

Spaghetti Squash

White Rice or Quinoa

Caesar Salad

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to make chicken pesto in the air fryer, be sure to check out this Air Fryer Pesto Chicken!

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, heat in 30-second intervals on a microwave-safe plate.

This Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Pesto Recipe can easily be made in less than 30 minutes with restaurant-style quality! This meal is light, delicious, and full of flavor.