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Pesto Chicken Grill Packets

 These Pesto Chicken Grill Packets are great to take along on a picnic or camping. They can also be cooked on a regular gas grill or in the oven.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2 or 2 inch dice (or use chicken breasts)
  • 2 zucchini cut into 1 inch dice
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 8 ounces mushrooms baby bella or shiitake
  • 1 cup basil just the leaves, fresh
  • 1 cup spinach just the leaves, fresh
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts raw
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut foil into eight large pieces (about 14 - 16 inches long) and start four grill packets by laying them out double stacked in a plus sign shape. At this point, you can line them with parchment paper, if desired, by simply putting a single layer just on top of the foil.
  2. Evenly distribute the chunks of chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Set aside.
  3. To make the pesto, combine the basil, spinach, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a small food processor and process until a smooth paste. Spoon over the top of each packet. Season with salt and pepper. 
  4. To seal the packets, carefully bring up two of the long sides of the foil so the edges meet at the center. Fold the two edges over together at least three times. Fold the remaining open edges up on themselves at least two to three times and crimp them together with your fingers.
  5. Grill the packets for 8 - 9 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked all the way through (no longer pink in the center) and the veggies are tender. Serve warm with whole-grain pasta or couscous on the side if desired.

Notes

  • Nutrition Facts Pesto Chicken Grill Packets Amount Per Serving Calories 852 Calories from Fat 648 % Daily Value* Fat 72g111%Saturated Fat 15g94%Cholesterol 181mg60%Sodium 417mg18%Potassium 1224mg35%Carbohydrates 14g5%Fiber 3g13%Sugar 7g8%Protein 41g82% Vitamin A 2070IU41%Vitamin C 49.3mg60%Calcium 251mg25%Iron 4.2mg23% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Calories 852
  • Calories from Fat 648
  • % Daily Value*
  • Fat 72g
  • 111%
  • Saturated Fat 15g
  • 94%
  • Cholesterol 181mg
  • 60%
  • Sodium 417mg
  • 18%
  • Potassium 1224mg
  • 35%
  • Carbohydrates 14g
  • 5%
  • Fiber 3g
  • 13%
  • Sugar 7g
  • 8%
  • Protein 41g
  • 82%
  • Vitamin A 2070IU
  • 41%
  • Vitamin C 49.3mg
  • 60%
  • Calcium 251mg
  • 25%
  • Iron 4.2mg
  • 23%
  • Foil is necessary to make the packets. Parchment paper is optional to line the foil.
  • We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.