Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly combines the savory taste of grilled chicken with the vibrant, sweet notes of a watermelon salsa. This dish is ideal for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or a light, healthy meal.

The watermelon salsa adds a juicy, fruity twist to the classic grilled chicken, while a touch of lime and mint gives the salsa a bright and zesty flavor. It’s a dish that not only looks beautiful but also offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lime, juiced

For the Watermelon Salsa:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make:

Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Prepare the Watermelon Salsa: In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and minced jalapeño (if using). Add the chopped fresh mint, lime juice, and honey. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should have nice grill marks and be juicy inside.

Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken breasts and serve them topped with the chilled watermelon salsa. Garnish with additional mint leaves if desired.

Chef’s Note: For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. If you prefer a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add more to taste. The watermelon salsa can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the salsa releases too much liquid, you can drain it before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Info: (Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1 chicken breast with 1/2 cup of watermelon salsa, assuming 4 servings from the recipe.)

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 28g

Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish that brings together the best of summer flavors!

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