Grilled Chicken with Scallion Pesto

It’s BBQ season – and here is a recipe that uses scallions and combines it with pesto-crusted, barbecued chicken.

1 cup Chinese parsley (chopped)
4 large scallions (chopped)
2 clove garlic (minced)
3 tsp. fresh ginger root (minced)
1 ½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
4 tbsp. water
1 tbsp. shoyu
non-stick cooking spray
8 chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick pieces)
salt
fresh ground black pepper
20 whole scallions (cleaned and roots removed)

Prepare the scallion pesto by combining all the pesto ingredients (Chinese parsley, 4 large scallions, 1 clove garlic, fresh ginger root, 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, water, shoyu) in a food processor, blending until smooth (hint – mince the garlic clove first, by itself, then add everything else). Set aside 2 tablespoons of the pesto

Prepare the grill with cooking spray. For the chicken, gently pull the skin up, and put a teaspoon or more of the pesto on the meat itself. Repeat this process for every piece. Place chicken in a large bowl and toss with the remaining pesto to coat. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes. In a separate pan, toss whole scallions with 1½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper.

Grill chicken on medium-high for 8 to 10 minutes each side until a crust develops and the juices run clear. Move chicken to a cooler side of the BBQ, then grill whole scallions for 4 minutes each side until slightly charred. Serve together.

Recipe By:

Chef Michi Holland

Prep + Cook Time:

1 hr

Serving Size:

6 Servings

As featured in…

Mar. 3, 2010 Coupon Book