Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving a meal that’s both impressive and effortless. Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto delivers exactly that perfect balance. When you slice into the tender, juicy chicken with its perfect grill marks, revealing the vibrant green avocado pesto coating each piece, you know you’re in for a treat. The aroma alone – a blend of fresh herbs, citrusy brightness, and smoky grilled chicken – will have everyone gathering around your table before you even call them for dinner.

This Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto stands out because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The creamy texture of ripe avocado blends seamlessly with traditional pesto elements, creating a sauce that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Best of all, this healthy Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto

• ✅ This healthy grilled chicken avocado pesto meal packs protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs into one nutritious dish
• ✅ The creamy avocado pesto sauce creates a perfect blanket of flavor for the smoky grilled chicken
• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – making it an ideal easy grilled chicken avocado pesto dish for busy weeknights
• ✅ Naturally low-carb and gluten-free, perfect for those following a low-carb grilled chicken avocado pesto recipe
• ✅ Versatile enough to serve in multiple ways – as a main with sides, in a grilled chicken avocado pesto sandwich creation, or topped on a salad
• ✅ The vibrant flavors in this flavorful grilled chicken with avocado pesto will impress even the pickiest eaters

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto

For the Chicken:

• 2¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon plus 2 tablespoons juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Extra olive oil for brushing the grill grates

For the Avocado Pesto:

• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 1 clove garlic, crushed and peeled
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes:

• For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds for pine nuts
• If basil isn’t available, you can use all parsley or add some spinach
• For added flavor, include a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese in the pesto

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until thoroughly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

Step 3: Meanwhile, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. When hot, brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers if using, or prepare to place directly on the grill.

Step 5: Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and nice grill marks have formed.

Creating the Avocado Pesto

Step 1: While the chicken is grilling, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: In a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, cooled toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 3: Add the avocado and olive oil, then process until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Bringing It All Together

Step 1: When the chicken is cooked through, remove from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes.

Step 2: Serve the grilled chicken with a generous dollop of avocado pesto on top, or toss the chicken in the pesto to coat.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Watch your cooking time carefully. Overcooked chicken will be dry, no matter how much delicious pesto you add.
• Cut chicken pieces uniformly: This ensures they all cook at the same rate, giving you perfectly juicy results every time.
• Make extra pesto: This smoky grilled chicken accompanied by avocado pesto is even better with a generous amount of sauce. The pesto also works great on pasta, as a sandwich spread, or as a dip.
• Add lemon to the avocado pesto immediately: This prevents browning and brightens the flavor of your flavorful grilled chicken with avocado pesto.
• Variation idea: For a warm-weather meal, try creating a grilled chicken avocado pesto salad by serving over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

Best Ways to Serve recipe

This versatile dish shines in so many recipe. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

1. Classic dinner plate: Serve with roasted vegetables and quinoa or brown rice for a balanced meal.
2. Low-carb option: Pair with a side of cauliflower rice and roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb grilled chicken avocado pesto recipe.
3. Sandwich creation: Layer the chicken and pesto on ciabatta bread with fresh mozzarella and tomato slices for an incredible recipe.
4. Salad topper: Slice the chicken and place over mixed greens with your favorite vegetables for a protein-packed recipe
5. Pasta partner: Toss with zucchini noodles or regular pasta for a complete meal.
6. Meal prep hero: This dish holds up well for several days, making it perfect for recipe all week long.

Nutritional Information for recipe

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 25g (mostly healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg

This healthy recipe pesto meal is high in protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.

Storage & Leftovers

If you have leftover Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto, store the chicken and pesto separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for 3-4 days, while the pesto is best used within 2 days as the avocado may begin to brown.

For best results when reheating, warm the chicken gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Add fresh pesto after reheating for the best flavor and appearance.

If you want to prepare this flavorful grilled chicken with avocado pesto ahead of time, you can also try the grilled chicken avocado pesto oven bake method: simply place the grilled chicken in a baking dish, top with the pesto, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is avocado pesto made of?

Avocado pesto combines traditional pesto ingredients like fresh herbs (basil and parsley), garlic, and nuts (pine nuts) with ripe avocado for a creamy, nutritious sauce. Unlike traditional pesto, this version gets its creaminess from avocado rather than cheese, though you can add parmesan if desired.

How long to recipe?

Grilled chicken pieces cut into 1-inch cubes typically need 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken breasts left whole will require 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Can you freeze avocado pesto?

While traditional pesto freezes well, avocado pesto doesn’t freeze ideally due to the avocado content. However, you can freeze it with a bit of extra lemon juice to help prevent browning. Use within 1-2 months and expect some texture changes upon thawing.

What goes well with avocado pesto?

Avocado pesto is incredibly versatile! Besides chicken, it pairs wonderfully with fish, shrimp, pasta, roasted vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, or as a dip for crudités. The creamy, herbal flavors complement most proteins and starches.

Conclusion

This recipe brings together the smoky char of perfectly grilled chicken with a creamy, herbaceous sauce that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor with simple ingredients.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – serve it as a main course with sides, create a recipe, or top a salad for a lighter option. No matter how you enjoy it, this flavorful grilled chicken with avocado pesto is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Have you tried making recipe  before? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Share your experiences and variations in the comments below!

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