Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - where juicy grilled chicken meets the sweet, caramelized perfection of ripe peaches, all elevated by the aromatic whisper of fresh basil. This Summer Peach Basil Grilled Chicken isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a vibrant, mouthwatering celebration of seasonal flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil to create a marinade. Brush half of the marinade over the chicken breasts.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, creating beautiful grill marks and ensuring even cooking.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, add sliced peaches directly to the grill, cooking for 1 minute per side to caramelize and enhance their natural sweetness.
- Remove chicken and peaches from the grill and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on a serving platter, topping with grilled peach slices and freshly chopped basil.
- Drizzle the remaining balsamic marinade over the chicken and peaches just before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect grill marks and crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F - no guesswork needed!
- Clean and lightly oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char lines.
- Let your chicken rest after grilling to lock in those delicious juices and keep the meat tender.
- Choose ripe but firm peaches that can withstand the heat of the grill without falling apart.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works beautifully on a grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
