Smoky Grilled Chicken with Yellow Tomatoes

Related To:

mesquite chicken

As tomato season picks up, you may be seeing more options out there, like the sweet yellow ones I serve with this smoky mesquite chicken. The technique behind the simple tomato side dish is macerating -- a fun and super-cool way to jazz up a recipe. Macerating is similar to marinating, but the term is traditionally used when talking about fruits and vegetables. As fruits and/or veggies soak in acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, wine or liqueur, they absorb the liquid, soften, and develop a more intense flavor. For the best results, once you combine the fruits/vegetables and their soaking liquid, let them "brew" for at least 30 minutes to develop full flavor.

In this recipe, I partnered the tomatoes with tangy white balsamic vinegar (I used raspberry-seasoned white balsamic vinegar – YUM!). I also added a little sugar (not uncommon) to draw moisture out of the tomatoes and create a syrup. The result is a sweet and flavorful embellishment for grilled chicken. You can also serve the tomatoes with fish, shellfish, pork, and steak.

Mesquite Grilled Chicken with Macerated Yellow Tomatoes

2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes, halved (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Cooking spray
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 4 ounces each
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons mesquite seasoning, preferably salt-free
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, vinegar and sugar. Mix well and let stand for 30 minutes (and up to 24 hours, refrigerated).

2. Coat a stove-top grill pan, outdoor grill or griddle with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Rub the mesquite seasoning into both sides of the chicken. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 5 minutes per side, until cooked through.

3. Fold the basil into the tomatoes and season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken on a serving plate and arrange tomatoes and their liquid alongside.

Serves 4
Nutrition Info Per Serving
Calories: 164
Total Fat: 3 grams
Saturated Fat: <1 gram
Total Carbohydrate: 5 grams
Sugars: 4 grams
Protein: 27 grams
Sodium: 78 milligrams
Cholesterol: 72 milligrams
Fiber: <1 gram

Next Up

Best 5 Grilled Chicken Recipes for Summer

Check out these grilled chicken dishes for summertime cooking from Guy, Bobby and Alton more Food Network chefs.

How to Shred Chicken

Here, two ways to make it - including a fast hack.

These Baked Chicken Dinners Are Perfect for Picky Eaters

Save that boxed mac and cheese for a rainy day.

Packing a Tasty Lunch for Kids

I know a lot of kids would be happy with eating chicken fingers or mac and cheese every day, but there are other healthy and yummy options out there. Check out our favorite recipes to try.

How to Tell If Chicken Is Bad

And how long does it last in the fridge?

How Long Does Raw Chicken Last In the Fridge?

And is it safe to eat after the sell-by date?

6 Ways to Enjoy Buffalo Chicken

From salads and subs to pizza and dip, learn all-new ways to celebrate the classic flavors of Buffalo chicken just in time for game day.

4 Easy Ways to Meal Prep Chicken

All you need is four recipes to make 16 different chicken dishes.

How to Minimize Cross-Contamination If You Rinse Raw Chicken

While the official stance of food safety experts is, well, to never do it, there are practical, culinary reasons for doing it anyway.

This Is the Right Internal Temperature for Cooked Chicken

We break down how to cook chicken to the correct temperature every time.