Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly grilled chicken breast, infused with vibrant herbs, kissed by smoky grill marks, and generously draped in rich, aromatic basil pesto. This isn't just another chicken recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a weekend grill master or a home cook looking to impress, our Grilled Herb Chicken with Pesto will elevate your cooking game and transport your senses straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better grill marks and seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Brush chicken breasts evenly with marinade, ensuring all sides are coated thoroughly.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F), cleaning grates and lightly oiling to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken breasts on hot grill, cooking for 6-7 minutes on first side to develop golden-brown grill marks.
- Flip chicken and cook additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Generously spread basil pesto over each chicken breast, covering surface completely.
- Slice chicken and serve immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let chicken rest at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Moisture Management: Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere and create beautiful caramelization.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Never guess about doneness. 165°F is the safe internal temperature for chicken.
- Marinating Magic: Let the marinade sit on the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Grill with Precision: Medium-high heat (375-400°F) is perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks without burning.
- Rest and Redistribute: Always let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Pesto Pro Tip: Spread pesto when chicken is still warm to help the flavors meld beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
