03/06/2010

Mint Pesto Chicken

This mint-parsley pesto is as fragrant and nutty as an original pesto made with basil. It is truly Mediterranean with a potent mint aroma toned down slightly by the nuttiness of the peanuts.

This is one of the easiest chicken recipes I’ve made. I personally value a good yet easy chicken recipe very much because I make chicken often and need to be able to prepare it quickly on a busy weeknight.

My mother is visiting from Morocco. She came for the wedding and will be here for another month. She is a great cook and has contributed much to my passion for cooking. I’m happy she liked my twist on her mint chicken recipe. She liked the added nuttiness and said she would make my recipe when she’s back home. I feel flattered.

Mint Pesto Chicken

4 servings

-1 to 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless
chicken breasts, cut into medium strips
-Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
-3 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
-3 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
-3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
-1/3 cup peanuts or pine nuts
-½ cup olive oil, plus extra for coating the pan.

Soak 6-inch bamboo skewers (about 25).

Place the chicken in a shallow dish and season it with salt and pepper. Thread the chicken onto the skewers.

Pulse the parsley, mint, garlic, nuts and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Reserve half of the mint pesto to use as a sauce. Use the other half as a marinade by liberally brushing both sides of the chicken with it. Marinate for one hour.

Coat a nonstick pan with olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side. Serve with the reserved pesto.

Posted in Chicken, Gluten-Free Dinners, Meat, Mediterranean Recipes
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8 Responses to “Mint Pesto Chicken”

  1. 1

    Cinnamon-Girl — 03/06/2010 @ 2:32 pm

    I was so mistaken – for some reason I thought you were celebrating your first anniversary – but you're a newlywed! Congratulations! And I'm sorry for my mistake. It must be nice to have your Mom here. Enjoy your time with her. Your pesto is so unique with peanuts. It sounds absolutely delicious! XO

  2. 2

    Barbara — 03/07/2010 @ 3:08 am

    How lovely that your mother is spending a month with you…and that you both enjoy cooking so much. I learned a great deal from my mother and grandmother!
    Your skewered chicken with minto pesto is a delight! And so simple to make. Wonderful flavors!

  3. 3

    Mama Feoneafey — 03/07/2010 @ 4:58 am

    This sounds so scrumptious! I can't wait to try it … So hows life as a Mrs. treaten' you feel any different? Congrats and hope your time with your Mother is magical!

  4. 4

    Simply Life — 03/07/2010 @ 12:26 pm

    My husband LOOOVES pesto and I'm sure would love this dish – thanks for the idea!

  5. 5

    Fimère — 03/07/2010 @ 3:47 pm

    félicitation pour ton mariage
    ta version de pesto de menthe me plait beaucoup
    à tester prochainement
    bon dimanche

  6. 6

    Elra — 03/08/2010 @ 3:59 pm

    What an idea, loving this mint pesto!

  7. 7

    Lucy — 03/09/2010 @ 9:57 pm

    Wow I can just imagine the gorgeous bright flavours of the minty pesto! Just bookmarked this recipe – simple yet totally delicious? I'm there :)

  8. 8

    my little expat kitchen — 03/12/2010 @ 1:29 pm

    Such lovely photos and such a great recipe!
    Magda

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