If you’re looking for a great summer dish, you’ve got to try this BBQ Spatchcock Chicken with Mustardy Peach Basil Salsa. It’s one of those recipes that captures all the sunny flavors of the season in every bite!
This recipe solves bland weeknight meals by offering a simple, quick grilling method and a bright, herby peach salsa to pair with lean chicken.
Cooking chicken can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to keep it juicy. I’ve found that marinating the chicken in a sweet and tangy mix really helps. And let’s be honest, nobody wants dry chicken on their plate!
This recipe is super quick, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight, making it a great option when you’re short on time but still want a tasty meal. The peach salsa adds a refreshing punch that compliments the herbaceous flavors beautifully.
If you’re also a fan of fruity flavors, you might love my Garlic Shrimp Pizza. It’s a fun twist that brings in some delicious seafood!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Juicy Texture: The marinade really locks in moisture, so your chicken stays juicy and tender. There’s nothing worse than dry chicken, and this recipe avoids that.
- Fresh Flavor: The vibrant peach salsa offers a refreshing sweetness that pairs beautifully with the herbaceous notes of basil and tangy seasoning. It’s like summer on a plate.
- Quick Prep: You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want something delicious.
- Easy Storage: If you have leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good in the fridge for up to three days. Great for meal prep!
Grilled Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Basil grilled chicken served with a refreshing peach salsa, perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium ripe peaches, pitted and diced
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 2 tablespoons minced jalapeño pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh-squeezed
- Fresh minced basil for garnishing
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour marinade over it. Ensure the chicken is well-coated and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Look for that sizzle when you lay it on the grates. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking, monitoring closely to avoid dryness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures safe eating.
- Create the Peach Salsa: While the chicken cooks, prepare the peach salsa. In a bowl, combine diced peaches, red onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix gently, ensuring the peaches remain intact. If the salsa tastes too sweet, balance it with more lime juice or a pinch of salt.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked and the salsa is ready, plate the chicken and top it generously with peach salsa. Use ample salsa for the best flavor contrast.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: Let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours, or overnight for enhanced juiciness. Monitor grill temperature to prevent drying out the chicken. Aim for a final chicken temperature of 165F for safe consumption.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave on medium heat until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes, or in an oven preheated to 350F for about 10 minutes, covered.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled corn on the cob or pair with a light salad for a complete meal. Offer a side of garlic bread to make it hearty.
- Recipe Variations: Add diced avocado to the salsa for a creamier texture. Try incorporating different herbs like mint in the salsa for a twist. Use bone-in chicken for added flavor while grilling.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose ripe, juicy peaches that are soft but not mushy for the best salsa. Look for firm and heavy red onions to add crunch and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Olive oil: This adds a lovely richness and helps keep the chicken juicy on the grill. Go for extra virgin for better flavor.
- Lemon juice: A splash of this bright acidity helps balance out the flavors. Fresh-squeezed is always a win, just skip bottled for this!
- Garlic: Mince up some fresh cloves for that aromatic kick. Fresh is key here; powdered garlic just won’t cut it.
- Fresh basil leaves: You’ll want a good handful, chopped up to infuse that sweet herb-y flavor into the chicken. Make sure it’s fresh, dried basil won’t work here.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is the star of the show! Choose ones that are plump and fresh. Thighs could work too if you like dark meat!
- Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are sweet and add that nice twist to the salsa. Make sure they’re soft, in a good way, but not mushy!
- Red onion: A bit of bite and crunch from this adds great texture to the salsa. Look for red onions that feel firm and heavy.
- Jalapeño pepper: For that kick! Remove the seeds for less heat if you’re worried. Fresh is what you want, so avoid the jarred stuff.
- Fresh cilantro: This brightens everything up! If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley could be a decent swap.
- Lime juice: A dash of this adds zing to the salsa. Again, fresh-squeezed is the best option, bottled just doesn’t cut it.
- Fresh minced basil for garnishing: A touch of fresh basil on top really makes your dish pop! Use the same fresh basil from earlier and chop it up.
Recipe Tips
- If chicken tends to dry out, letting it marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible, can really help retain moisture.
- When grilling, aiming for a chicken temperature of 165F guarantees it’s safely cooked while keeping it juicy.
- If your peach salsa tastes too sweet, try adding an extra tablespoon of lime juice or a small pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
- For the freshest taste, using very ripe peaches along with just-chopped herbs can enhance the salsa’s brightness and flavor profile.
- When grilling, keeping an eye on the temperature ensures your chicken won’t overcook, preventing dryness after grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with grilled corn on the cob. Pair it with a light salad for freshness and contrast.
This chicken can be used in wraps or salads, adding variety to meals. Consider serving it with quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
Add chimichurri or a dollop of yogurt for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs also enhances the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result when grilling.
- Add 1 diced avocado to the salsa for extra creaminess alongside the fresh peaches.
- Either swap jalapeño for serrano for more heat, or use bell pepper for a milder salsa flavor.
- If you’re cooking for a larger group, scale up the chicken to 3 lbs and double the salsa ingredients accordingly.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your grilled chicken with fresh peach salsa fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Transfer the chicken to a freezer bag, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Salsa Storage: Keep peach salsa in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freshness diminishes quickly.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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