Grilled Peach Tomato Basil Chicken (Printable)
Tender grilled chicken and charred peaches with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic dressing make this vibrant salad perfect for summer.
# List of ingredients:
→ Salad Components
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb total)
02 - 2 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
03 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 2 cups baby arugula or mixed greens
06 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
→ Marinade & Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for grilling)
09 - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
10 - 1 tsp honey
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Reserve half of this mixture for the salad dressing.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
03 - Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking.
04 - Cook marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
05 - Place peach halves cut-side down on the hot grill for 2-3 minutes until distinct grill marks appear and fruit begins to soften. Remove and slice each half into wedges.
06 - In a large serving bowl, combine arugula or mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, grilled peach wedges, and torn basil leaves.
07 - Drizzle the reserved dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately while chicken and peaches are still warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way warm grilled peaches melt into cool tomatoes creates this incredible sweet and smoky contrast that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.
- Everything gets cooked on the same grill, meaning fewer dishes and maximum flavor infusion.
02 -
- Do not skip resting the chicken after grilling, those juices need time to redistribute or you will end up with dry meat.
- Grill the peaches cut side down only, flipping them will make them fall apart and you will lose those gorgeous char lines.
03 -
- Invest in a good pair of long handled tongs to keep your hands safe from the grill heat.
- Let your grill grates get properly hot before adding anything, that is the secret to those professional looking char marks.