Pesto-Smothered Grilled Chicken Breast

By jolofson

recipe from relish.com

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound Romano cheese, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 2 cups loosely packed basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 lemon
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Whole basil leaves, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

To make the pesto: Place the cheese in a food processor and process until coarsely grated. Add the basil, pine nuts, garlic, juice of 1/2 the lemon, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Process to a thick paste, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Use a scraper to push down the sides. With the machine running, slowly drizzle 1/2 cup olive oil through the feed tube until you have a thick liquid. Taste and add salt if needed. Transfer to an airtight container. Do not refrigerate if you plan on using the same day.

To prepare the chicken: Place the chicken in a glass baking dish and coat both sides with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons of the pesto, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Preheat the grill. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.

To serve, arrange the grilled chicken on a large serving platter. Spoon the remaining pesto over the entire platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and whole basil leaves.