Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto

Name: Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons of olive oil, plus additional for brushing the grill grates; Zest from 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; 2 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup of pine nuts; 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, loosely packed; 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves, loosely packed; 1 clove of garlic, crushed and peeled; 1 large ripe avocado

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By AprilPublished Aug 14, 2023

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy meal to satisfy your cravings?

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Prep: 30 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 30 min
Servings: 6

Method

Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of oil and lemon zest.
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the oil mixture.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Divide the chicken and thread onto metal or bamboo skewers.
Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until they turn light golden (around 3 to 4 minutes). Let them cool.
In a food processor, combine the cooled pine nuts, basil, parsley, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and some ground pepper. Process until a coarse paste forms.
Add the avocado, lemon juice, and remaining 3 tablespoons of oil to the food processor. Process until the mixture becomes mostly smooth.
Grill the chicken, turning it often, until it is just cooked through (around 5 to 7 minutes).
Serve the grilled chicken with dollops of the pesto sauce, and you can also serve any extra pesto on the side.

About this recipe

Introduction

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy meal to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than grilled chicken with avocado pesto! This delightful dish combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken with the creamy goodness of avocado pesto. It's a match made in culinary heaven.

Grilled Chicken: The Star of the Show

Grilled chicken is a versatile protein that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Its juicy and tender texture makes it the perfect base for a variety of flavors. Whether you marinate it in tangy BBQ sauce or season it with aromatic herbs and spices, grilled chicken never fails to impress.

Why Choose Grilled Chicken?

Grilling chicken not only adds a smoky flavor to the meat but also helps to retain its natural juices. Unlike other cooking methods that can dry out the chicken, grilling keeps it moist and succulent. Plus, the charred grill marks add a beautiful touch to the presentation.

Avocado Pesto: The Perfect Accompaniment

Avocado pesto is a delightful twist on the classic basil pesto. The creamy avocado adds a velvety texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the sauce. Combined with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice, avocado pesto takes your grilled chicken to a whole new level.

How to Make Avocado Pesto?

Making avocado pesto is a breeze. Simply blend ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil or lemon juice to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your juicy grilled chicken and creamy avocado pesto ready, it's time to serve it up! You can enjoy this delicious combination in various ways. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad, stuff it into a warm tortilla for a tasty wrap, or simply plate it alongside your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken with avocado pesto is a mouthwatering dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your health-conscious side. The combination of smoky grilled chicken and creamy avocado pesto is a match made in culinary heaven. So go ahead, fire up that grill, and indulge in this delightful meal!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?: Absolutely! While grilled chicken is the star of this dish, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make the avocado pesto in advance?: Yes, you can prepare the avocado pesto ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I freeze leftover grilled chicken?: Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken for later use. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I add other ingredients to the avocado pesto?: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a touch of chili flakes to add some extra flavor and complexity to the pesto.
Can I use frozen avocado for the pesto?: While fresh avocados are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen avocados if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain any excess water before blending.
How long should I marinate the chicken?: It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, you can marinate it for longer if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Can I grill the chicken indoors?: Absolutely! If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or even a regular stovetop pan to cook the chicken. Just make sure to preheat the pan and brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making avocado pesto from scratch?: Yes, if you're short on time, you can use store-bought pesto as a quick and convenient alternative. However, the creamy avocado pesto adds a unique and delicious twist to the dish!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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