Brighten up your meals with this vibrant and flavorful "Lovely Summer Chicken" recipe, a perfect dish for warm-weather dining. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are infused with fresh lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then grilled to golden perfection for a deliciously smoky, herbaceous bite. Paired with a refreshing salad of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and tangy. Serve it over a bed of baby arugula or mixed greens for an elegant yet effortless presentation. Ready in just 35 minutes (plus marinating time), this easy summer chicken recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or al fresco entertaining. Bursting with seasonal flavors and made with wholesome ingredients, itβs a light, healthy meal your whole family will love!
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place them on the hot grill pan or skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the chicken is golden brown and juicy.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the tomato and basil salad. In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Optional: For a light and fresh base, arrange the baby arugula or mixed greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken if desired.
Serve the chicken alongside or on top of the tomato and basil salad. Drizzle any remaining salad juices over the dish for added flavor.
Enjoy your Lovely Summer Chicken fresh and warm!
Calories |
1701 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.0 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2917 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.4 g | ||
| Protein | 221.6 g | 443% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 263 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 2864 mg | 61% | |
*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.