Pistachio Tarragon Pesto Chicken Skewers


Serves 8

Wine Pairing: Syrah

Ingredients

½ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted natural pistachios
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, peeled
¼ cup olive oil
16 1-inch pieces red onion (1/3 inch thick)
16 1-inch squares red bell pepper
8 lemon slices, halved
1 pound chicken tenders (about 8 large)
8 metal or wooden skewers (soak in water if wooden)

Directions

Purée the first 5 ingredients in a food processor. Add ¼cup olive oil and blend until slightly coarse paste forms. Mix in 2 tablespoons water. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer 3 tablespoons pesto to small bowl (for brushing chicken and vegetables); reserve remaining pesto.

Prepare grill (or griddle pan), heating to medium-high heat. Brush grill or gridle with olive oil. Thread 1 onion piece, 1 bell pepper square, 1 lemon slice half, 1 chicken tender (lengthwise), then 1 onion piece, 1 bell pepper square, and 1 lemon slice half alternately on each of 8 skewers. Brush vegetables and chicken on skewers with olive oil, then with 3 tablespoons pesto from small bowl. Sprinkle skewers with salt and pepper. Grill until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are slightly softened, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve with reserved pesto.