Description
Lemon Pesto Grilled Chicken is a fresh and flavorful main dish featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in basil pesto, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for summer cookouts or healthy weeknight dinners, this high-protein recipe pairs well with grilled vegetables, pasta, or salads.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat each chicken breast evenly with the prepared marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Place the chicken in a dish or resealable bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking temperature and grill marks.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and moist meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the grilled chicken breasts with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Great with grilled asparagus or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
