Big John’s Grilled Chicken with Gouda Sauce & Cilantro Pesto is a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly combines the succulence of grilled chicken breasts with the rich flavors of Gouda cheese and the refreshing zest of cilantro pesto. This recipe, honed over years and enriched by the inspired addition of pesto, promises a dining experience that’s both comforting and tantalizingly gourmet.
With a cook time of just 20 minutes and a prep time of 25 minutes, this dish brings the magic of fine dining to your table in under an hour, making it perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions alike. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delightful journey through flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Let’s delve into the culinary symphony of Big John’s Grilled Chicken with Gouda Sauce & Cilantro Pesto, starting with the ingredients that make it so delectable. You’ll need:
- 4 skinless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 dashes of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 dashes of cayenne pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove (for pesto)
- 2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. With a calorie count of 389.6 per serving, this recipe offers a balance of indulgence and nutrition, with 29.2 grams of fat, 9.4 grams of saturated fat, 109.5 milligrams of cholesterol, 3632.4 milligrams of sodium, 2.8 grams of carbohydrates, 0.4 grams of fiber, 0.5 grams of sugar, and a generous 28.9 grams of protein.
To embark on this culinary adventure, follow these step-by-step instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic clove. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Gouda cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce.
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Create the Pesto: While the sauce simmers, it’s time to whip up the vibrant cilantro pesto. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, pine nuts, garlic clove, and sherry wine vinegar. Pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped. Then, with the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one final pulse to ensure everything is well incorporated.
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Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper to taste, then grill them until they are cooked through, with a beautifully golden exterior and juicy interior. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the heat of your grill.
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Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, place it on serving plates or a platter. Generously spoon the Gouda sauce over the grilled chicken breasts, allowing it to cascade down the sides, enveloping them in creamy indulgence. Finally, top each chicken breast with a dollop of the vibrant cilantro pesto, adding a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
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Enjoy: Gather around the table with friends and family, and savor each mouthful of this exquisite dish. The tender grilled chicken, smothered in velvety Gouda sauce and adorned with fragrant cilantro pesto, is a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
In conclusion, Big John’s Grilled Chicken with Gouda Sauce & Cilantro Pesto is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the art of cooking and the pleasure of savoring good food. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, delighting your taste buds and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone fortunate enough to enjoy it. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure that’s as satisfying to create as it is to devour. Cheers to good food, good friends, and the joy of cooking!
