Heart-Healthy Charcoal Chicken
Bring smoky, succulent flavor to your table with Heart-Healthy Charcoal Chicken, a guilt-free twist on classic grilled dishes. This recipe combines lean chicken breasts with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a hint of paprika, creating a fragrant blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Grilled to perfection over hot charcoal, the chicken is juicy, tender, and perfectly charred. Served over a refreshing bed of baby spinach and cherry tomatoes, this balanced, nutrient-packed meal is ideal for anyone seeking healthy grilling recipes that don’t sacrifice taste. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual outdoor gatherings. Give your grill a heart-healthy makeover with this easy, flavorful dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 cloves Garlic Cloves
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 4 cups Baby Spinach
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your charcoal grill. Arrange the charcoal evenly and light the grill, allowing the coals to become hot and covered with white ash, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This ensures more even cooking.
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill over direct heat. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), turning them occasionally to achieve those classic grill marks.
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad by combining baby spinach and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes to retain its juices.
Serve the Heart-Healthy Charcoal Chicken on a bed of spinach and tomatoes for a fresh, nutritious accompaniment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1482 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.6 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 1794 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 219.1 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 524 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
