Smoked Chicken Pesto Recipe
With Wild Mushrooms and Pesto Cream, Confit Garlic, and Lemon Zest
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Ingredients
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Main Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Smoked Chicken
If not already cooked, smoke the chicken using your preferred method until fully cooked and tender. Let it cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Prepare the Wild Mushrooms
Clean the wild mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- 3
Prepare the Confit Garlic
If you don't have confit garlic ready, you can make it by simmering whole garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat until tender and golden (about 30 minutes). Let it cool before using.
Cooking
- 4
Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped wild mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 5
Make the Pesto Cream
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Stir in the pesto sauce and confit garlic, blending everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 6
Combine with Smoked Chicken
Add the shredded smoked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the pesto cream mixture. Allow it to heat through for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- 7
Finish with Lemon Zest
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest for a fresh flavor. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.