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Flavorful Garlic Scape Pesto Grilled Chicken with Fresh Herbs

garlic scape pesto grilled chicken - featured image
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A vibrant and punchy garlic scape pesto coats juicy grilled chicken, creating a fresh, herbaceous, and indulgent dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup garlic scapes, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to season chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing grill or chicken

Instructions

  1. Rinse garlic scapes, basil, and parsley thoroughly. Roughly chop garlic scapes into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Add chopped garlic scapes, basil, parsley, Parmesan, lemon juice, and nuts (if using) to a food processor.
  3. Pulse ingredients a few times, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while running the motor until pesto is smooth but slightly textured. Scrape sides as needed.
  4. Season pesto with salt and pepper, pulse once more, and taste. Adjust seasoning or lemon juice as desired.
  5. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
  7. Place chicken on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving to develop grill marks.
  8. Flip chicken and cook another 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush a generous layer of garlic scape pesto onto both sides of the chicken to warm and meld flavors.
  10. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not marinate chicken with pesto for more than 30 minutes to avoid bitterness. Apply pesto near the end of grilling to preserve fresh herb flavors. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving. For extra smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to the grill. Pesto can be served on the side as a dipping sauce if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, grilled chicken, fresh herbs, summer BBQ, easy dinner, backyard cookout, quick recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/flavorful-garlic-scape-pesto-grilled-chicken-recipe-with-fresh-herbs-made-easy/