GRILLED CHICKEN WITH AVOCADO PESTO

Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto image

Sorry chicken, avocado is the star in this low-carb and protein-packed dish. It helps make a creamy dairy-free pesto that's filled with heart-healthy fats.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing the grill grates
Zest of 1 lemon plus 2 tablespoons juice
2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves
1 clove garlic, crushed and peeled
1 large ripe avocado

Steps:

Prepare an outdoor grill or a grill pan for medium heat.
Whisk together 1 tablespoon of the oil and the lemon zest in a large bowl. Add the chicken to the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide the chicken and thread onto metal or bamboo skewers.
Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool.
Combine the pine nuts, basil, parsley, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a food processor. Process to make a coarse paste. Add the avocado, lemon juice and remaining 3 tablespoons oil and process until mostly smooth.
Grill the chicken, turning often, until just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve the chicken dolloped with the pesto and any extra pesto on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370, Fat 21 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 125 milligrams, Sodium 180 milligrams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 40 grams, Sugar 1 grams