Ingredients Grains Quinoa Quinoa with Pesto and Grilled Chicken Be the first to rate & review! This dish is equally enjoyable hot off the stove or chilled. Its ability to travel well makes it a great addition to a packed lunch or picnic. Slideshow: More Quinoa Recipes By Molly Yeh Published on August 10, 2015 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: © Molly Yeh Active Time: 35 mins Total Time: 1 hrs Yield: 4 Ingredients 1 cup basil leaves 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted 1 1/2 ounces grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1/4 cup), plus more for serving Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 cup white quinoa, rinsed 2 cups water Directions In a food processor or blend, blend the basil, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, the garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt and pepper, until smooth, about 30 seconds; scrape down the sides as needed. Set aside. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Brush each side with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a few turns of pepper. Grill the chicken breasts over moderately high heat until browned on the outside and cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into 3/4-inch pieces. Place the quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Transfer the quinoa to a large boil, add the chicken, and then fold in the pesto until evenly distributed. Make Ahead This can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving or serve cold. Serve With Additional Parmigiano-Reggiano. Rate it Print