Big John's Grilled Chicken with Gouda Sauce Cilantro Pesto

Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant textures, Big John's Grilled Chicken with Gouda Sauce and Cilantro Pesto is the ultimate showcase of grilling mastery and gourmet flair. Tender, smoky grilled chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection with a paprika-garlic rub, providing the ideal canvas for the creamy decadence of a rich Gouda cheese sauce. To elevate the dish even further, a fresh cilantro pesto made with pine nuts, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon adds a zesty, herbaceous kick that balances the richness beautifully. Perfect for weeknight dinners or an impressive weekend cookout, this recipe pairs classic grilling techniques with indulgent, restaurant-quality toppings. Serve it up with a side of roasted veggies or crusty bread and watch as it becomes an instant family favorite. Keywords: grilled chicken, Gouda sauce, cilantro pesto, gourmet grilling recipe, easy summer dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups shredded gouda cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 pieces garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup olive oil (for pesto)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for pesto)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 3

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let rest while preparing the sauce and pesto.

Step 4

To make the gouda sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the shredded gouda cheese until melted and smooth. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.

Step 5

For the cilantro pesto, combine fresh cilantro, pine nuts, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, olive oil (for pesto), salt (for pesto), and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 6

To serve, plate each chicken breast. Drizzle with gouda cheese sauce and top with a spoonful of cilantro pesto. Garnish with additional parmesan or cilantro if desired.

Step 7

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1329.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3962.2

Total Fat 305.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 117.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.5g
Cholesterol 1086.5mg	0%
Sodium 5003.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.3g	0%
Total Sugars 1.9g
Protein 267.4g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 1412.8mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 2202.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.6%

Protein: 27.5%

Carbs: 1.9%