Get ready to revolutionize your summer grilling game with a recipe that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts kissed by balsamic marinade, perfectly grilled alongside caramelized watermelon wedges that burst with unexpected sweetness. This isn't just another chicken recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups watermelon, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the watermelon into wedges, ensuring they are thick enough to hold their shape when grilled.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to become ashy and hot. For a gas grill, preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Use tongs to flip the chicken to avoid piercing it and losing juices.
- While the chicken is grilling, brush the watermelon wedges lightly with olive oil and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the chicken is almost done, place the watermelon wedges on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened.
- Once everything is cooked, remove the chicken and watermelon from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- To serve, arrange the grilled chicken on a platter alongside the grilled watermelon. Drizzle with any remaining balsamic vinegar if desired, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Chicken as a refreshing and delicious summer meal!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken sits in the balsamic mixture (up to 2 hours), the more intense the flavor will be.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing it's fully cooked without becoming dry.
- Grill Watermelon Technique: Pat watermelon wedges dry before grilling to achieve those beautiful grill marks without excess moisture.
- Let It Rest: Always let your chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil right before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 262kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
