Description
This refreshing grilled chicken recipe is marinated with a flavorful blend of oregano, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and salt, then grilled to juicy perfection. It’s topped with a vibrant and fresh mango watermelon salsa that adds a sweet and tangy contrast, making it a perfect light and healthy summer dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Cooking spray, for grill
Mango Watermelon Salsa
- 2 cups watermelon, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 cup mango, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons jalapeño pepper, finely chopped and seeded
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the fresh oregano, extra virgin olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and minced garlic in a Ziploc bag. Add the chicken breasts and squish the bag around to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Lightly spray the grill rack with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, starting to check for doneness on the second side after around 3 minutes. The chicken should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160-165°F.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
- Prepare the Mango Watermelon Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, mango, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients well. This salsa can be prepared a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken breasts and top generously with the fresh mango watermelon salsa. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy summer meal.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a balance of smoky grilled chicken with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy fruit salsa.
- Marinating the chicken for up to 4 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
- The salsa can be made in advance and refrigerated to save time and develop deeper flavors.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the heat level in the salsa according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 578 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
