Embrace the vibrant flavours of summer with this light and refreshing herb-grilled chicken recipe, perfect for the warm, sunny days of summer. This dish features tender chicken breasts marinated in a blend of local herbs, grilled to perfection, and topped with a tangy and sweet fresh berry salsa. It’s a delightful combination of savory and fruity that’s sure to be a hit at any outdoor gathering.
INGREDIENTS
For the Herb-Grilled Chicken Breasts:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest & juice of 1 small lemon or regular lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fresh Berry Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, citrus zest/juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the herb mixture over the chicken.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavour.
Prepare the Fresh Berry Salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Add the lime juice, cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper, and gently toss to mix.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and shake off any excess.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place each grilled chicken breast on a serving plate and spoon a generous amount of the fresh berry salsa over the top
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of wild rice or quinoa and a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. For a truly BC experience, serve with a glass of locally produced white wine or a refreshing iced herbal tea.
Tips
- For an extra burst of flavour, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the berry salsa.
- The salsa can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making this dish perfect for entertaining
.