Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the salsa:
- 2 cups diced watermelon (seedless)
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Grill or grill pan
- Large zip-top bag (for marinating)
- Medium bowl
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken:
- In a large zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients.
- Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) to the bag, seal, and massage to coat the chicken evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
2. Make the salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine diced watermelon, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, mint, and jalapeno pepper (if using).
- Add lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust lime, honey, salt, and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Grill the chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
- Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
4. Assemble and serve:
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole.
- Serve warm chicken topped with the chilled cucumber-watermelon salsa.
Tips:
- No grill? You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Make it a meal: Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh summer salad.
- Adjust spice: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeno and red pepper flakes.
- Get creative: Add other herbs like basil, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to your salsa.
Enjoy your refreshing and summery meal!
