Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken | Made by Meaghan Moineau
**Title: Savor the Summer: Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe**
**Description: Experience the taste of summer with our Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken. This dish will transport you to sunny family gatherings with every bite. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's perfect for any occasion.**
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When summer arrives, it brings with it the promise of long, lazy afternoons and evenings spent in the company of loved ones. There's something truly magical about gathering around a grill, the air filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of something delicious cooking away. For my family, one dish that encapsulates these joyful moments is the Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken.
**A Trip Down Memory Lane**
I remember vividly the summer weekends spent at my grandparents' house, nestled in the countryside. The backyard was our little paradise, with lush greenery and the comforting scent of fresh basil growing by the garden fence. It was there that my grandmother first introduced us to the Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken—a recipe that would become a family favorite for generations.
Every Saturday, she would meticulously prepare the marinade, her kitchen filled with the pungent aroma of garlic and the sweet, herbaceous scent of basil. As a child, I was always eager to help, watching in awe as she blended the ingredients in her trusty food processor. The anticipation was palpable as we waited for the chicken to soak in the vibrant, green marinade, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
When it was finally time to grill, we'd gather around, the sun casting a golden glow on our little corner of the world. The sizzling sound of chicken on the grill was music to our ears, and the first bite was always a revelation—succulent, aromatic, and utterly satisfying.
**The Recipe: Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken**
**Ingredients:**
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup lightly packed basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 4 dry boneless chicken breasts
**Instructions:**
1. Mince the garlic in a food processor.
2. Add the basil leaves and process until roughly chopped.
3. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until a thin ketchup consistency is achieved.
4. Add a pinch of salt and whirl for 5 seconds to combine.
5. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, turning the pieces to coat evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
8. Grill the chicken for about 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
**Nostalgia on a Plate**
This Basil Marinated Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it's a vessel for memories, a reminder of sun-kissed days and cherished family gatherings. Each bite transports me back to those carefree summers, surrounded by love, laughter, and the simple pleasure of good food.
**Difficulty Rating: 3/10**
**Classification: Main Dish**
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply yearning for a taste of summer, this dish is sure to delight. Its simplicity and vibrant flavors make it a go-to recipe that you'll want to pass down through the generations—just as my grandmother did. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and create your own beautiful memories with this timeless recipe.
