Grilled Chicken with Pesto Perfection

Ingredients

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken on a cutting board.

2. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of pesto sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the pesto mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. Prepare the Charcoal Grill: Light the charcoal and allow it to burn until the coals are covered with a light layer of ash, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange the coals evenly for direct grilling.

4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill grates over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Add Parmesan Cheese: In the last couple of minutes of grilling, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. Allow it to melt slightly, creating a crispy layer of cheese on the chicken.

6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes on a clean plate to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

7. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the grilled chicken hot, drizzled with any remaining pesto sauce from the marinade bowl if preferred.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT1H15M
1 hour 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT15M
15 minutes

Total Time

- Total Time: PT1H30M
1 hour 30 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

grilled chicken, pesto chicken, barbecue, charcoal grill, dinner recipe, gourmet chicken, easy grilling, basil pesto, Italian-inspired, chicken breast

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Approximately 1440 calories for the entire dish

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