Pesto Grilled Chicken

Pesto Grilled Chicken offers succulent, juicy chicken breasts infused with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a summer barbecue.

Pesto Grilled Chicken
  • Prep time: 14 minutes
  • Cook time: 24 minutes
  • Total time: 38 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pesto mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to marinate.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade.
  6. Place chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is no longer pink in the center.
  7. Remove chicken from the grill and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges.

Tips

  • Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Don't overcook the chicken; it will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
  • Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto will provide an even fresher and more vibrant flavor to the chicken. Just ensure it's well-seasoned.

What's the ideal marinating time for this chicken?

A minimum of 30 minutes is good for flavor, but marinating for 2-4 hours will allow the pesto flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply. Avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours as the acid in the pesto can start to break down the chicken's texture.

How can I cook this if I don't have a grill?

You can cook pesto chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. For baking, preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.