Best Pesto Chicken Breast Recipe

Steps

1. 1

   Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, forming thin, even cutlets.

2. 2

   Season the chicken all over with 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper.

3. 3

   Prepare the marinade: If you have prepped pesto vinaigrette, use ¼ cup. Otherwise, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons pesto, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons mayo.

4. 4

   Toss the chicken with the marinade until evenly coated. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.

   Start 30-minute timer
5. 5

   Preheat the grill to 500°F (260 °C) (260°C (500 °F)) and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

6. 6

   Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 2 minutes.

   Start 2-minute timer
7. 7

   Rotate the chicken 90 degrees and cook for another 2 minutes to create hatch marks.

   Start 2-minute timer
8. 8

   Flip the chicken and cook for 1 minute.

   Start 1-minute timer
9. 9

   Rotate the chicken 90 degrees again and cook for a final 1-2 minutes. The total cooking time should be 6-8 minutes.

   Start 1-minute timer
10. 10

    Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74 °C) (74°C (165 °F)).

11. 11

    Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

12. 12

    Dollop with extra pesto and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.