Zesty Lime Marinated Chicken with Homemade Watermelon Salsa | Made by Meaghan Moineau
Title: Savor Summer: Zesty Lime Marinated Chicken with Homemade Watermelon SalsaDescription: Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with our Zesty Lime Marinated Chicken topped with a refreshing Homemade Watermelon Salsa. This dish combines the tangy essence of lime with the sweet crunch of watermelon, creating a symphony of tastes that will transport you to sun-drenched days and warm family gatherings. Serve it with our Simple Garlic Toast for a meal that’s both delightful and memorable.
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A Taste of Summer: Nostalgia on a Plate
Growing up, summers at my grandmother's house were the highlight of the year. Her backyard was a lush paradise of blooming flowers and the sweet scent of freshly cut grass. But what truly made those days unforgettable were the family barbecues. My uncle, the self-proclaimed grill master, would always bring his signature dish—Zesty Lime Marinated Chicken with Homemade Watermelon Salsa.
The preparation was a family affair. My grandmother would hand me a small paring knife, and together, we’d dice watermelon, cucumber, and sweet peppers, laughing at the mess we made in the process. My uncle would whisk together lime juice, honey, and a hint of Tabasco for the glaze, sneaking spoonfuls to taste, claiming he needed to "make sure it was just right."
As the chicken sizzled on the grill, the air filled with the zesty aroma of lime and garlic, mingling with the scent of watermelon salsa. Finally, when everything was ready, we'd gather around the table, diving into the vibrant, flavorful feast. Those meals were more than just food; they were a celebration of family, love, and the simple joys of summer.
Ingredients
- For the Salsa:
- Diced watermelon
- Diced cucumber
- Sweet fresh ear corn
- Fresh cilantro
- Yellow sweet diced orange pepper
- Red diced onion
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- Honey
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- For the Chicken:
- Skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Garlic powder
- Fresh ground pepper
- Salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- For the Honey Lime Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Tabasco sauce
Instructions
1. To Make Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, sweet pepper, corn, cilantro, and onion. In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, and salt. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, to allow flavors to blend.
2. To Make Chicken:
In a shallow bowl, add the chicken, 3 tablespoons lime juice, and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Coat a large nonstick pan or a grill pan with olive oil spray, add olive oil, and heat. Add chicken, cover, and sauté over medium heat until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan.
3. To Make Honey Lime Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, honey, and Tabasco. Add the honey lime glaze to the same pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until melted. Return cooked chicken to the pan, flipping the chicken once to coat with the glaze. Remove from pan and plate each piece. Spoon watermelon salsa on top of each piece of chicken and serve with more salsa on the side.
4. Serve with Simple Garlic Toast:
Start with 4 slices of sourdough wheat bread. Cut each slice in half and toast all of them. Spread each half with 1 teaspoon reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light. Sprinkle each with a little garlic powder. Place all 8 halves on a plate and reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Difficulty: 5/10
Classification: Main Dish---
This dish is not just a meal; it's an invitation to create your own memories. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening with family, let the flavors of Zesty Lime Marinated Chicken with Homemade Watermelon Salsa bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your table.
