Pesto Chicken Grill Packets Recipes

GRILLED PESTO CHICKEN PACKS

Steps:

• Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Place 1 chicken breast half, 2 sliced tomatoes and 1 sliced zucchini on one side of four 18x12-inch sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spoon 2 tablespoons pesto over chicken mixture on each sheet.
• Fold foil over chicken and vegetables so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again. Allow space on sides for circulation and expansion.
• Cover and grill packets 4 to 5 inches from medium heat 20 to 25 minutes or until juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Place packets on plates. Cut large X across top of packet; fold back foil.

GRILLED PESTO-MARINATED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix together pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pepper, and salt in a 1-gallon resealable freezer bag. Add chicken, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours to overnight.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Cook chicken on the preheated grill over indirect heat until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

PESTO CHICKEN GRILL PACKETS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium.
• Cut four 12-inch-long sheets of heavy-duty foil. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil into the center of each sheet.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Lay 1 piece of chicken in the center of each sheet and spread 1 tablespoon pesto on top.
• Mound one-quarter of the zucchini, tomatoes and scallions over each chicken breast. Dollop 3 tablespoons pesto over each mound. Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables; pinch the edges to seal.
• Cover and grill the packets over indirect heat for 25 minutes. Remove from the grill and open carefully.

PESTO CHICKEN AND POTATOES IN PARCHMENT PACKETS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Slice potato very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. Place slices in a bowl of water to prevent browning.
• Fold parchment paper in half to create two 15x12-inch rectangles. Drain potatoes and arrange 1/2 of the slices on the inside fold of the parchment paper in an overlapping semicircle. Season with salt and pepper. Top with 5 basil leaves and 1/2 of the onion slices. Repeat with the second piece of parchment paper.
• Place chicken legs over the onion slices, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and top with pesto. Carefully fold the parchment paper around the chicken, starting from one end, to create sealed packets. Transfer packets to a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until juices run clear, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer packets to plates and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before opening and serving.

FOIL PACKED PESTO CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place 1 chicken breast half, 2 sliced tomatoes and 1 sliced zucchini in each packet.
• Spoon 2 Tablespoons of basil pesto over each chicken.
• You can use 8 18 x 12 inch sheets of heavy duty foil if you don't want to purchase the foil packets.
• Make sure you double fold ends by folding 1/2 inch and then repeating the 1/2 inch fold.
• Remember to leave space on sides for circulation and expansion.
• Cover and grill packets 4 to 5 inches from medium heat.
• Cook 20 to 25 minutes or until juice of chicken is no longer pink.
• To serve, cut a large"X" across top of packet to let steam escape.
• This also can be cooked in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or until juices run clear.