A bowl of pesto chicken salad with crisp celery, tender chicken pieces, and pine nuts.
This Pesto Chicken is creamy, herby, and super quick. Tender chicken pieces get tossed in basil pesto with a little lemon, so it tastes fresh and bright. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, lettuce wraps, or meal prep lunches. One bowl, big flavor.
If you need something fast but not boring, Pesto Chicken is your new go-to.
The trick is mixing the pesto with a creamy base first, so every bite is evenly coated and never oily.
It’s a reader-favorite style lunch — everyone asks for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken
- Better than deli: Fresh pesto flavor beats store-bought chicken salad every time.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch and you’ve got easy lunches all week.
- High-protein & satisfying: Chicken pieces make it filling without feeling heavy.
- No-cook option: Use already-cooked chicken pieces to save time.
- So many ways to serve: Wraps, sandwiches, lettuce cups, or over greens.
Ingredients for the Best Pesto Chicken
For the pesto chicken mix
- Cooked chicken pieces (about 3 cups): The protein base; shredded rotisserie-style chicken pieces work great.
- Basil pesto (1/3 cup): Main flavor; homemade or store-bought.
- Plain Greek-style yogurt (1/3 cup): Creamy and tangy; swap with mayo if you prefer.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Crunch; swap with diced cucumber.
- Lemon juice (1–2 tablespoons): Brightens everything; lime works too.
- Pine nuts (2 tablespoons, optional): Crunch; swap with almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Parmesan-style cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): Savory finish; skip if you want it dairy-light.
- Salt + black pepper: To taste.
How to Make Pesto Chicken
- 1. Mix the sauce: Whisk pesto, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 2. Fold in chicken: Stir until fully coated. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon water to loosen.
- 3. Add crunch: Stir in celery and pine nuts. Taste and adjust.
- 4. Chill (optional): Refrigerate 15–30 minutes so flavors meld.
- 5. Serve: Lettuce cups, wraps, sandwiches, or over greens.
Tips for Perfect Pesto Chicken
- Use cold chicken: Keeps the mixture thick and fresh.
- Taste pesto first: Some are saltier than others.
- Add crunch last: If prepping ahead, stir in celery close to serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes.
- Extra veggies: Add diced bell pepper.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and pesto.
- Low-carb: Serve over cucumber slices or greens.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container. Not ideal for freezing because the creamy base can separate.
Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce cups
- Wraps
- On toast
- Over salad greens
Reader Review
Bright, herby, and so easy — this disappeared in one day!
Pesto Chicken Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Lunch & Light Dinners
Method: No-Cook / Mix
Cuisine: American
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