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20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado Recipe

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3.9 from 49 reviews

This vibrant 20-minute grilled basil pesto chicken recipe features tender thin-sliced chicken breasts coated with a fresh homemade basil pesto, charred cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. The dish combines aromatic basil, toasted walnuts, and a hint of garlic for a flavorful and quick meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pesto Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast fillets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the basil pesto: In a wide-mouth glass jar, combine the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, peeled garlic cloves, toasted walnuts, and kosher salt. Use an immersion blender to puree the ingredients until the pesto is smooth and well blended.
  2. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates if desired to prevent sticking.
  3. Brush chicken with pesto and start grilling: Pour a small portion of the pesto into a separate ramekin to avoid contaminating the rest. Use this portion to brush the top side of the raw chicken fillets. Place the chicken on the grill, cooking it for 2 to 4 minutes on one side until grill marks appear.
  4. Flip and baste the chicken: Flip the chicken fillets over, then brush the newly grilled side with additional pesto from the ramekin. Continue grilling for another 2 to 4 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Char the tomatoes: While the chicken rests off the heat, place the halved cherry tomatoes on the hot grill for a brief moment, turning them occasionally until they develop a light char.
  6. Assemble and serve: Serve the warm grilled chicken breast with the charred cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado. Drizzle the remaining basil pesto over everything to finish the dish with vibrant flavor.

Notes

  • Use thin-sliced chicken breast to reduce grilling time.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
  • Substitute toasted walnuts with pine nuts or almonds if preferred.
  • The pesto can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • For additional flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/20-minute-grilled-basil-pesto-chicken-with-charred-tomatoes-and-avocado-recipe/