4 chicken breast halves, skinned

1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Fresh basil sprigs for garnish (optional)

 

Press pepper into meaty sides of chicken breast halves. Combine 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup chopped basil; stir well.  Brush chicken lightly with melted butter mixture.

 

Combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 tablespoons basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.  Beat at low speed of an electric mixer until mixture is well blended and smooth.  Transfer to a small serving bowl; set aside.

 

Grill chicken over medium coals 8 to 10 minutes on each side, basting frequently with remaining melted butter mixture. Serve with basil-butter mixture. Garnish if desired.

 

Yields 4 servings.