Pesto Marinated Grilled Chicken
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
2 hrs 5 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 17 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pesto Marinated Grilled Chicken
Description
Pesto Marinated Grilled Chicken relies on a pesto marinade combined with rice vinegar, salt, and sugar to flavor and tenderize the chicken breasts. Coating the chicken in this blend and refrigerating for 2 to 12 hours allows the herbs and acidity to penetrate and enrich the meat. Cooking over direct heat on a grill creates a lightly crisp exterior and juicy center, with an internal temperature target of 160°F ensuring thorough cooking. Alternatively, broiling or pan cooking can achieve similar results indoors.
The chicken's herbal pesto notes balanced with a mild acidity support serving options like salads, pasta, or sandwiches. The method simplifies meal prep by using a single container for marinating and allowing the chicken to rest after cooking. This rest time helps distribute juices evenly, enhancing moistness.
Note: Homemade pesto can be used for personalized flavor, but storebought will also work well. Monitor the cooking time carefully to prevent drying out the meat.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 cup pesto storebought or homemade (see note)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a gallon-sized ziploc bag. Pour in the pesto, rice vinegar, salt and sugar. Seal the bag and shake it up until the marinade is combined and the chicken is well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through (or an instant read thermometer reaches 160 degrees). Tent the chicken with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Alternately, the chicken can be broiled or cooked on an indoor grill pan or skillet.
Notes
- Use either storebought or homemade pesto; choose your preferred flavor profile.
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours to optimize flavor infusion.
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy before slicing.
- Grilling is recommended, but broiling or indoor pan cooking are effective alternatives.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 337kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 950mg | 40% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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