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Grilled Pesto-Marinated Chicken

Grilled Pesto-Marinated Chicken features tender breasts soaked in vibrant basil pesto with Parmesan and lemon, yielding juicy meat with garlicky, herby depth and a touch of citrus. It grills up with savory char and a cheesy, nutty finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner or backyard get-together alongside simple sides like salad or grilled vegetables.

  • Prep5 mins
  • Cook15 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Grilled Pesto-Marinated Chicken
  1. 1

    Combine pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pepper, and salt in a 1-gallon resealable freezer bag. Add the chicken, coat it with the marinade, press out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours to overnight.

  2. 2

    Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

  3. 3

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess. Discard the remaining marinade.

  4. 4

    Grill the chicken over indirect heat on the preheated grill until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).