Grilled Chicken with Basil Dressing
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds, coarsely crushed
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Whisk 1/3 cup of oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, fennel seeds, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a heavy-duty re-sealable plastic bag. Add the chicken and seal the bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day, turning the chicken occasionally.
Dressing
- 4/3 cups olive oil
- 4 cups basil (lightly packed)
- 4 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Meanwhile, blend the basil, garlic, lemon zest, remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a blender until smooth. Gradually blend in the remaining 1/3 cup oil. Season the basil sauce, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
Prepare the barbecue for medium-high heat or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to plates. Drizzle the basil sauce over and serve.