Grilled Pesto Chicken is the epitome of summertime grilling pleasure. With its vibrant green pesto coating and succulent chicken, every bite bursts with flavor. The tangy notes of lemon paired with the creamy texture of yogurt and mayo create a marinade that not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with incredible taste. When grilled to perfection, the outer edge becomes slightly charred while the inside remains juicy, making it a standout dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled Pesto Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Grilled Pesto Chicken

I first made grilled pesto chicken on a warm summer evening, and it quickly became a family favorite. The aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with the fresh herbal notes of pesto always brings back memories of laughter and good food around the grill. It’s an easy, budget-friendly recipe that feels special, yet it can be whipped up in no time. If you’re looking for a flavorful chicken dish that can elevate a simple meal into something amazing, you’ll want to add grilled pesto chicken to your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to impress in just around 10 minutes of preparation and 6 minutes of grilling, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pesto, yogurt, and garlic infuses the chicken with a rich, savory zing that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks as vibrant as it tastes, perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinner parties.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main course with sides or slice it for salads, wraps, or sandwiches—endless possibilities!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets by serving it with fresh veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup pesto: A basil-infused sauce, this ingredient brings bold flavors and moisture to the chicken. Homemade or store-bought work well, but opt for a high-quality brand for the best taste.
2 tbsp yogurt: Greek or regular yogurt adds creaminess and ensures the chicken remains tender. Vegan yogurt can be used for a dairy-free option.
2 tbsp mayo: Creamy and tangy, mayonnaise helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and enhances the overall richness. For a healthier alternative, consider using avocados instead.
2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds acidity to balance the richness of the pesto and mayo. Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
2 tbsp water: This helps to thin out the marinade for easier coating of the chicken. You can also substitute with chicken broth for added flavor.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic provides a pungent kick that complements the pesto beautifully. You can increase or decrease the amount based on your preference.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the marinade and the chicken. Use sea salt or kosher salt for a cleaner taste.
1 lb. chicken breast: Use thin-sliced chicken or halved larger breasts for quick cooking. Chicken thighs could also be used for a juicier texture.

How to Make Grilled Pesto Chicken

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup pesto, 2 tbsp yogurt, 2 tbsp mayo, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ tsp salt. This vibrant mix will coat the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Marinate the Chicken: Add 1 lb. of thin-sliced chicken breast to the bowl, tossing well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
Bring it to Room Temperature: About 20-30 minutes before grilling, take the bowl out of the fridge to allow the chicken to reach room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill over medium heat until it reaches approximately 400°F. An adequately heated grill provides excellent searing and flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken onto the grill. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The lovely char marks are an added bonus!
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Just note that reheating may affect the texture slightly; a splash of lemon juice can help revive its freshness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade for optimal flavor—don’t skimp!
Using room temperature chicken helps it cook evenly, avoiding that annoying dry outer layer with undercooked center.
If you’ve got a grill pan, it works wonderfully too, especially if you’re in a cooler climate—just ensure it’s hot before adding the chicken.
Slice any leftovers thinly to amplify the flavor in salads or sandwiches—this method makes the chicken feel new again.
For a serving twist, try topping with fresh arugula and a sprinkle of parmesan to elevate the experience.

Grilled pesto chicken is a delightful recipe that encourages you to embrace the vibrant flavors of summer. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Think about all the variations you could explore, whether it’s added veggies to the grill or pairing it with a light salad or pasta!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is great for convenience; just ensure it’s a high-quality product for the best flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, for the best results, you can leave it for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Can I grill chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice because they’re more forgiving when it comes to cooking time and remain juicy. Just add a couple of minutes to the grilling time as they’re a bit thicker.

What sides go well with grilled pesto chicken?

Consider serving the chicken with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or even pasta tossed in olive oil for a complete meal that highlights the grilled pesto chicken’s flavors.

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Grilled Pesto Chicken

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy grilled pesto chicken, a delightful dish featuring tender chicken, fresh pesto, and simple ingredients. This quick and flavorful recipe makes for a perfect dinner option that’s both healthy and satisfying, ideal for busy nights!

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup pesto
2 tbsp yogurt
2 tbsp mayo
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp water
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp salt
1 lb. chicken breast, thin sliced or slice larger breasts in half

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the pesto, yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt until well combined.
Add the chicken to the bowl, tossing to coat well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours to marinate.
Around 20-30 minutes before grilling, take the chicken out of the fridge to bring it to room temperature.
Preheat the grill to medium heat (approximately 400°F). Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Marinating for longer than 1 hour enhances flavor and tenderness.
For a smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to the grill.
Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.