Macarena Pesto Chicken Skillet

Ingredients

• 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.33 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 0.25 cup pasta water (starchy)(optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice(optional)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Slice chicken into thin cutlets (or cut into bite-size pieces) and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   Sear (about 10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness.

3. 3

   Simmer in pesto (about 10 minutes): Lower heat to medium. Stir in pesto and (if using) lemon juice. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce and simmer 2–4 minutes, turning chicken to coat.

4. 4

   Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve hot.