Sweet, Herby Summer Skillet Dinner
Pesto Peach Chicken is a bright, easy summer dinner made with golden seared chicken, juicy peach wedges, creamy burrata, and glossy basil pesto. It feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in one skillet in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or a fresh Pinterest-inspired dinner idea.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 ripe but firm peaches, sliced into wedges
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then slice the peaches while the chicken rests
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes on one side, then 3–4 minutes on the other until golden
- Build the sauce: Remove chicken, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up the browned bits.
- Simmer: Add peaches and return chicken to the skillet. Spoon pesto over the top, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Finish: Remove from heat, tear burrata over the warm chicken, garnish with basil, and serve immediately
Pro Tips
- Storage: Store chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add fresh burrata after reheating.
- Subs: Use chicken breasts if preferred, but pound them evenly first. Nectarines also work beautifully.
- Meal Prep: Slice peaches and season chicken ahead to make dinner faster.
- Serving: Pair with arugula salad, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Main Body
This Pesto Peach Chicken works because every ingredient brings contrast. The chicken is savory and deeply golden, the peaches add soft sweetness, the pesto brings herby richness, and the burrata melts gently into the warm sauce. It is simple enough for a weeknight but pretty enough to serve when friends come over.
The most important step is searing the chicken properly. Patting it dry helps the outside brown instead of steam. Let the chicken sit undisturbed in the hot pan so a flavorful crust can form. Those browned bits become the base of the sauce, adding depth without needing complicated ingredients.
Using chicken thighs keeps the dish juicy and forgiving, especially during the final simmer. The peaches should be ripe but still firm so they soften without falling apart. Burrata is added off heat so it stays creamy and delicate instead of turning rubbery.
The broth and lemon juice create a light, silky sauce that balances the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the pesto. This alcohol-free version keeps the same bright flavor while staying family-friendly and easy to serve.
For the best dinner flow, prep everything before you start cooking. Once the skillet is hot, the recipe moves quickly. Serve it straight from the pan for a beautiful, low-effort presentation.
Variation Recipes
- Nectarine Pesto Chicken: Swap peaches for nectarines for a slightly tangier summer flavor.
- Spicy Peach Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.
- Mozzarella Peach Chicken: Replace burrata with fresh mozzarella for an easy, creamy alternative.
Conclusion
Pesto Peach Chicken is sweet, savory, creamy, and full of summer flavor. Save this easy skillet dinner for busy nights, family meals, or any time you want something fresh and beautiful without extra stress.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 430 | 34g | 14g | 27g | 2g | 10g |
Disclaimer: Estimates vary by ingredients and tools.