Imagine a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one stunning plate - welcome to the ultimate Grilled Chicken with Cherries! This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some grilling magic, you'll create a meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also impressive enough to wow your family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey to create a marinade. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the mixture for later glazing.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even coating.
- While chicken marinates, prepare your grill or grill pan by preheating to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard the used marinade. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, creating nice grill marks.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add pitted fresh cherries to the grill, turning them gently to caramelize slightly.
- Brush the chicken with the reserved balsamic-honey mixture during the final minute of grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Remove chicken and cherries from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the grilled chicken, top with grilled cherries, and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Marinating Matters: Don't skip the marinating step - it helps tenderize the chicken and infuse deep flavor.
- Grill Management: Preheat your grill to medium-high and clean the grates to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Cherry Selection: Choose ripe, firm cherries for the best caramelization and flavor when grilling.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after grilling to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Customize Your Sides: Pair this chicken with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light summer salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
