Grilled Chicken with Tomato, Lime & Cilantro Salsa

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Serves four as a main course, six to eight as a “small plate.”

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Quick & Delicious: Recipes Meant for Sharing
by Jessica Bard
from Fine Cooking
Issue 80
Last Edit Date: 6/3/2011 12:48:40 PM

This dish is also delicious served cold or at room temperature over salad greens.

more about:

2 cups seeded, diced ripe tomatoes (2 to 3 medium tomatoes)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
4 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1-1/2 to 2 tsp. granulated sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 lime (about 1 tsp.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. minced chipotle (from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 to 2 lb.)

Prepare a medium-hot grill fire.

In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, lime juice, 1 Tbs. of the oil, 1-1/2 tsp. of the sugar, and the lime zest. If your tomatoes aren’t perfectly ripe and sweet, add the remaining 1/2 tsp. sugar. Season with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper, or to taste.

In another medium bowl, mix the chipotle, the remaining 2 Tbs. oil, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Trim the chicken. If the tenderloins are still attached, remove them and save for another use. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Add the chicken to the chipotle mixture and toss well to coat.

When the grill is ready, lay the chicken on the hot grill grates and cook, covered, until the chicken has grill marks and the edges turn opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the breasts and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice each breast crosswise on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange the chicken on a platter and top with the salsa.

Make Ahead Tips

If you're serving at room temperature, the chicken can be grilled ahead. After grilling, let it cool for 20 minutes, refrigerate (for up to 8 hours), and slice just before serving with the salsa. The salsa ingredients may be prepared up to 2 hours ahead, but mix them together just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Mexican Tomato Rice & Beans.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on eight servings; Calories (kcal): 130; Fat (g): 7; Fat Calories (kcal): 60; Saturated Fat (g): 1; Protein (g): 14; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 4.5; Carbohydrates (g): 4; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 190; Cholesterol (mg): 35; Fiber (g): 1;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by Ginny37, 4/19/2013I added one diced avocado to the salsa and it took it over the top.

by SpicyAnne, 9/2/2010I hijacked this recipe and used Fig Aged Traditional Balsamic Vinegar in the salasa instead of sugar. It added such a light bright flavor. I also subsituted my Basiks at Home Authentic Southwest Spice Blend instead of just salt and pepper on the chicken. You can find that at www.Basiksathome.com, I also got the Fig Balsamic there too!

by pcouper, 7/9/2008The chipotle peppers gave the chicken a great flavor on its own and the salsa is the perfect way to use your summer tomatoes. So good and so easy!

by ValerieMO, 7/5/2008Loved it. The chipotle in adobo adds a nice fiery, but not too hot, bite and the fresh tomato salsa is wonderful. Easy, fast and delicious.