I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just crave serious flavor without any fuss. When the weeknights get chaotic, I turn to recipes that are naturally satisfying and require minimal ingredients to taste incredible. That’s where these Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers come in! They capture that bright, fresh Mediterranean vibe we all love. As a Registered Dietitian and flavor strategist here at Top Chicken Eats, my goal is always to balance real nutrition with food that actually makes you excited to eat, and these skewers deliver on both counts. They’re protein-packed, naturally gluten-free, and honestly, they look fantastic on the plate.
Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
Seriously, what’s not to love? These skewers are my secret weapon when I need a fast, tasty dinner that fits right into my busy schedule. They check all the boxes:
- They’re lightning fast to prep—we’re talking only 15 minutes before they hit the marinade.
- You get that incredible, fresh Mediterranean flavor from the pesto!
- Naturally gluten-free and super high in protein, so you stay satisfied.
- They’re just as good cold, which makes meal prepping a total breeze.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
Getting ready is half the fun, right? You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is why I love it for quick weeknights. You’ll definitely need a medium bowl for getting all that delicious pesto coating onto the chicken.
For cooking, an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan works perfectly for those nice char marks. And of course, you need skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, please listen up: make sure you soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first. Trust me, this prevents them from burning up right when your chicken is almost done!
Ingredient Breakdown for Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
Okay, let’s talk about what goes into this amazing, naturally compliant meal. Remember, when we talk about healthy gluten free recipes, the quality of your few ingredients really shines through. We’re keeping this super simple, which means bold flavors from really good pesto will make all the difference here.
For the Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Skewers
This is the heart of the dish, so make sure your chicken pieces are uniform—about 1-inch cubes is what we’re aiming for to ensure even cooking!
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto (this coats the chicken for maximum flavor!)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Canola Oil (just a tiny bit for brushing the grill surface)
For the Mozzarella Balls (Optional Addition)
I love adding these grilled cheese bites near the end for that gooey, fantastic element. But remember, totally optional if you’re trying to keep things super light or dairy-free!
- 12 small mozzarella balls (use the pearl size, about 1 ounce each is perfect if you’re unsure)
- 1 tablespoon prepared pesto (to toss with the mozzarella)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so straightforward you won’t believe they taste this gourmet! The quality of your result really depends on giving that chicken enough time to soak up all the basil goodness, so don’t rush the first part. If you’re planning to use an Air Fryer Gluten Free Recipes method later, prepping them on skewers is still the easiest starting point.
Marinating and Preparation
First things first, we need to infuse that flavor! Toss your cubed chicken pieces right into a bowl with the half cup of pesto. Cover that up—I usually use plastic wrap—and pop it in the fridge. You need at least one hour, but honestly, if you can let it hang out overnight, these **Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers** will taste even more amazing.
While that’s marinating, grab those wooden skewers and put them in water to soak up some hydration. If you skip this, they might just carbonize on your grill! Also, get those optional mozzarella balls ready by tossing them in that last tablespoon of pesto and keeping them chilled separately.
Grill Setup and Assembly
Before you thread anything, take the chicken out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you plan to cook. Letting it sit at room temperature just slightly helps everything cook evenly. Once rested, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat—we don’t want it roaring hot where the pesto burns instantly!
Now, thread! Alternate those pesto-coated chicken pieces with the cherry tomatoes until you run out of skewer space. And here’s one trick that saves me every time: light brush the hot grill surface with a tiny bit of canola oil. This stops those pretty chicken bits from sticking when you’re trying to flip them.
Cooking Time for Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
Place those beautiful skewers on the hot, oiled grill. They cook fast because the chicken cubes aren’t too big. You’ll want to grill them for exactly 3 minutes on the first side. Don’t peek too soon!
Then, flip them over carefully. Continue grilling for just 1 to 2 more minutes until the chicken is opaque all the way through and cooked perfectly. Keep an eye on those tomatoes; they should be slightly blistered and softened. Once they are done, serve them warm right away alongside the pesto mozzarella balls.
Tips for Success with Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
When I develop these recipes, I’m thinking about how they fit realistically into your busy cooking life, which is why these tips are so important for guaranteed success. Don’t worry about the marinating time; you can let the chicken sit in that delicious pesto bath for up to a full day in advance! The longer the better for deep flavor, really.
Because these are such a fantastic source of high protein gluten free goodness, we absolutely have to make sure the chicken is cooked right. Since we’re dealing with relatively small pieces, they cook fast, but always check the thickest cube. As a dietitian, I always recommend pulling them off the grill when the internal temperature hits 165°F to ensure safety without drying out that pesto-coated texture. A quick check with a meat thermometer makes all the difference!
Making Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers for Meal Prep
I preach balance, and that includes making sure our healthy meals are ready when we need them! These skewers are absolute gold for anyone looking for solid Gluten Free Meal Prep options because they taste great cold. For prepping ahead, you have two options.
First, you can marinate the raw chicken cubes and keep them refrigerated in that pesto mixture for up to 24 hours. Just grill them when you’re ready to eat! Second, if you grill them all at once, let the cooked skewers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay perfectly good for about three days, making them the easiest grab-and-go lunch your busy week needs!
Ingredient Substitutions for Dairy Free Gluten Free Recipes
I always get questions about making sure our favorite meals fit every dietary need, especially when we talk about Dairy Free Gluten Free Recipes. Luckily, these pesto chicken skewers are already naturally so compliant, but we need to think about two main areas if you’re avoiding dairy entirely.
First, the mozzarella balls! If you’re making this completely dairy-free, you can simply skip tossing them in pesto and leaving them off the skewers entirely. They are a totally optional add-in anyway. However, if you love that little pop of cheesy texture, you can find wonderful store-bought dairy-free mozzarella balls these days. Just toss those with a little olive oil and herbs instead of pesto if you want to lean purely dairy-free.
Second, you have to check your pesto! Standard pesto is loaded with Parmesan cheese, so that definitely won’t work for us here. The easiest fix is buying a good quality, store-bought pesto that specifically states it’s dairy-free or vegan—many brands make them using nutritional yeast or omit cheese altogether. If you can’t find one, don’t panic! You can easily whip up a batch of homemade pesto using basil, quality olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper, and just skip the cheese entirely. The chicken is so well flavored by the basil and garlic that you won’t miss the cheese flavor as much as you think you will!
Serving Suggestions for Your Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
We made these **Mediterranean Gluten Free Recipes** heroes because they are so versatile! While the skewers are undeniably the star—especially when paired with those optional pesto mozzarella bites—you need something fresh and easy alongside them. As an RD, I always try to round out the plate with something bright.
Think simplicity! A big bowl of crisp mixed greens drizzled with lemon and olive oil is perfect. If I need more substance for a filling meal, a simple scoop of fluffy quinoa or some brown rice works wonders. You could even try a light broth-based soup, like a simple vegetable version, which you can find ideas for right here, if you’re looking for something warm on a cooler evening. If you’re grilling anyway, toss some zucchini and bell peppers onto a separate skewer; they cook right alongside the chicken and add amazing color!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
I always get questions when people try these for the first time, and that’s great! It shows you’re serious about making sure the food is safe and delicious. Here are the few things I hear most often about making these specific skewers work for different kitchen setups. If you ever have a lingering question, make sure you check out my general disclaimers and guidelines right here.
Can I cook these Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers in the oven or air fryer?
Oh, absolutely! While I love the char you get from the grill, these are perfect for an oven or an air fryer. For the oven, just arrange them on a baking sheet lined with foil—remember we talked about prepping things for Air Fryer Gluten Free Recipes? Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). They usually take about 15 to 20 minutes total, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. If you are using the air fryer, you might need a slightly lower temperature, maybe 380°F, for about 10 to 12 minutes. They still come out great, even if they don’t have those signature grill marks!
Are these considered High Protein Gluten Free meals?
Yes, 100%! Chicken breast is one of the best sources of lean protein out there, and since we aren’t adding a lot of heavy fillers or grains to this recipe—it is naturally gluten-free, remember—these qualify perfectly as those **High Protein Gluten Free** meals you might be looking for. A single serving is packed with protein, making it super satisfying whether you eat it for dinner or need it to power through an afternoon.
What kind of pesto should I use for Clean Eating Recipes?
This is such an important question for anyone focused on **Clean Eating Recipes**! Most store-bought pestos contain cheese, which we covered, but sometimes they can also sneak in extra oils or even sugar that isn’t exactly ‘clean.’ When you are shopping, check that ingredient list carefully. You want to see mostly fresh basil, quality olive oil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, and salt. If you see soybean oil or added sugar listed, put it back! Making your own is always the best way to guarantee clean ingredients, but when buying, look for options explicitly labeled ‘clean’ or ‘paleo-friendly’ to save time.
Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the chicken pieces and 1/2 cup pesto in a medium bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for marinating.
- If you use wooden skewers, place them in water to soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Place mozzarella balls in a small bowl and toss them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of pesto. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
- Take both the chicken and the mozzarella out of the refrigerator and let them stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat.
- Thread the chicken and tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating them as you go.
- Lightly brush the grill surface with canola oil to stop the food from sticking.
- Cook the skewers for 3 minutes on one side. Turn them over and continue grilling until the chicken is fully cooked, which takes about 1 to 2 additional minutes.
- Serve the skewers warm or at room temperature alongside the mozzarella balls.