What are the best summer chicken recipes for a quick weeknight dinner?

The best summer chicken recipes for weeknights are those that use thin-cut breasts or tenders for fast grilling. A lemon-herb marinade works in as little as 15 minutes, allowing you to get a healthy meal on the table in under half an hour.

How do I keep chicken from drying out when grilling for summer chicken recipes?

To keep chicken moist, always use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken off at 165 F. Additionally, letting the meat rest for 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, which is a key tip for all summer chicken recipes.

Can I use frozen peaches for the salsa in these summer chicken recipes?

While fresh peaches are preferred for their texture, you can use thawed frozen peaches if necessary. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so the salsa for your summer chicken recipes doesn't become too watery.

Can I prepare the marinade for summer chicken recipes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. However, do not leave the chicken in the lemon-based marinade for more than 4 hours, as the acid can begin to change the texture of the meat.

Summer chicken recipes: 7 Reasons Why This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Wins

Name: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 2 ripe peaches, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 ripe peaches, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: While the chicken marinades, prepare the salsa by combining the diced peaches, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C).
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving topped with the fresh peach salsa.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling the peach halves for 2 minutes before dicing them for the salsa.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/2 cup salsa
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 85mg