Tired of the same old chicken dishes? It's time to mix things up with a dish bursting with flavour and zest. Enter lemony pesto chicken pieces. This dish is a delicious fusion of tangy lemon, aromatic pesto, and succulent chicken that’s a feast for the taste buds. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a breeze to make, making it the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or a casual get-together with friends. So get ready to take your taste buds on a mouth-watering adventure with this lemony pesto chicken!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 1/2 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

4 (660g) chicken drumsticks

4 (970g) chicken thigh cutlets, skin-on

Lemon wedges to serve



Instructions:

1. Prepare the pesto by combining oil and lemon juice in a small jug. Add basil, garlic, parmesan, and nuts to a food processor and blend until finely chopped. While the motor is running, gradually pour in the oil mixture until the pesto is nearly smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Using your fingers, gently lift the skin away from each drumstick and thigh cutlet to form a pocket. Fill each pocket with a heaping teaspoon of pesto.

3. Preheat a barbecue plate on medium-high heat. Cook chicken with the hood down, turning occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until cooked through.

4. Serve chicken with remaining pesto and lemon wedges.

Optional Tips:

- Add some finely chopped sundried tomatoes to the pesto mixture for extra flavour.

- Add some finely grated lemon zest to the pesto for an extra zesty kick.

- Serve the chicken with steamed greens such as spinach, kale, or broccoli for a more nourishing meal

If you don't have the time or equipment to make your own pesto, don't worry! You can use store-bought pesto instead.