Grilled Romesco Sauce Pairs Perfectly With Chicken

To keep this recipe simple, the peppers and tomato for the sauce—typically roasted—are scorched on the grill alongside the chicken. (Blaine Moats/TNS)

Many variations of romesco sauce, a Catalonian roasted tomato sauce, add roasted red peppers for a little sweetness. Here, the peppers and tomato are scorched on the grill alongside the chicken to keep things simple.

Grilled Chicken With Red Pepper-Pecan Romesco Sauce

Active Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves 4

• 2 medium red bell peppers
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 pound chicken cutlets
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill bell peppers and tomato, turning occasionally, until blistered all over and charred in spots, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let rest until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, flipping occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.

Remove and discard skin and seeds from the peppers and tomato. Place the peppers and tomato in a blender and add pecans, garlic, oil, vinegar, crushed red pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Puree on high until well combined, about 1 minute.

Serve the chicken with the sauce and topped with scallions, if desired.

Recipe nutrition per serving: 307 Calories, Total Fat: 19 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 62 mg, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Total Sugars: 3 g, Protein: 25 g, Sodium: 496 mg, Potassium: 470 mg, Iron: 1 mg, Folate: 42 mcg, Calcium: 35 mg, Vitamin A: 2253 IU, Vitamin C: 81 mg.

EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at EatingWell.com. Copyright 2021 Eating Well, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.