Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Pesto Noodles is a delightful dish that offers a symphony of tastes, flavors, and textures. The succulent grilled chicken, seasoned with garlic and oregano, provides a robust and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh and tender zucchini noodles. The homemade pesto sauce, rich with the aromatic essence of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, adds a creamy and herbaceous touch. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate, making it a satisfying and healthy meal that doesn't skimp on taste. Whether you're watching your carb intake or simply craving something fresh and flavourful, this dish is sure to please.

How to prepare Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Noodles

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pesto Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest.
3. Make the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
4. Prepare Zucchini Noodles: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Be careful not to overcook, as zucchini can become mushy.
5. Combine with Pesto Sauce: Toss the zucchini noodles with the pesto sauce until well coated.
6. Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and serve over the zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
7. Dobar tek!

How to Serve and Pair:

Serving Suggestions: This dish can be served as a main course, ideal for a light lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side salad or a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.

Pairing: For Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Noodles, which combines the savory flavors of grilled chicken with the fresh, herby taste of pesto, consider these beverage pairings to complement the dish:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine, with its crisp and herbal notes, can complement the basil and garlic flavors in the pesto. Its acidity also works well with the grilled chicken.
2. Pinot Grigio: A light and refreshing Pinot Grigio can pair nicely with this dish, offering a subtle fruitiness that won't overpower the zucchini noodles and pesto.
3. Chardonnay: If you prefer a fuller-bodied white wine, a lightly oaked Chardonnay can add a creamy texture that matches well with the olive oil and Parmesan in the pesto.
4. Rosé: A dry rosé, with its balanced flavor profile, can be a great choice for pairing with both the chicken and the pesto, especially in a summery setting.
5. Sparkling Water with Citrus: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime can provide a refreshing and palate-cleansing effect, complementing the freshness of the zucchini noodles.
6. Light Lager or Pilsner: For beer lovers, a light lager or pilsner can offer a clean and crisp complement to the dish, without competing with its flavors.

Dietary Information:

• Gluten-free.
• Can be made lactose-free by using a lactose-free cheese alternative or omitting the cheese in the pesto.

Make-Ahead Tips:

The chicken can be marinated ahead of time for more flavor. The pesto sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Variations:

• Nut-Free Pesto: Replace pine nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein choice.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan cheese alternative in the pesto and a plant-based protein for grilling.