Grilled Lemon Chicken with Refreshing Cabbage and Corn Slaw: Your Ultimate Summer Meal
Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, long evenings, and the undeniable urge to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Yet, paradoxically, it’s also the time when many of us find ourselves least inclined to fire up the stove and cook elaborate meals indoors. The mere thought of a hot kitchen on an already sweltering day can be enough to deter even the most enthusiastic home chef. While summer boasts an incredible bounty of fresh, vibrant produce, making it the perfect time for culinary creativity, the heat often steers us towards simpler, quicker, or even non-existent dinner plans. Who hasn’t resorted to a good old peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner more times than they’d care to admit during peak summer?
This common summer dilemma is precisely why this recipe for Grilled Lemon Chicken with Cabbage and Corn Slaw is about to become your new seasonal obsession. It’s the epitome of simple sophistication, designed to keep you out of the stuffy kitchen and enjoying the beautiful weather. What started as an unplanned meal, almost too straightforward to blog about, quickly became a household favorite. The secret? Perfectly grilled, incredibly juicy, and intensely flavorful chicken, coupled with a bright, crunchy slaw that bursts with summer goodness. Forget dry, tough chicken – this recipe promises a grilling experience that might just surprise you with its perfection.
Why This Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe is Your Summer Go-To
The beauty of this dish lies in its effortlessness and exceptional taste. We all crave meals that are light, refreshing, and don’t require hours of prep or cooking during the summer months. This Grilled Lemon Chicken with Cabbage and Corn Slaw checks all those boxes and more. It celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season while minimizing your time spent over a hot stove.
Effortless Elegance for Busy Evenings
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. You won’t find a long list of obscure ingredients or complicated cooking techniques here. Everything comes together swiftly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The prep work is minimal, allowing you to enjoy more of your evening without being tied to the kitchen.
Juicy Perfection: Say Goodbye to Dry Chicken
Let’s talk about the chicken. Grilling chicken breasts can sometimes be a precarious affair, often resulting in dry, uninspiring meat. However, the lemon marinade in this recipe is a game-changer. It infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and helps to tenderize it, ensuring every bite is succulent and juicy. You might just surprise yourself with how perfectly cooked your chicken turns out, boasting a beautiful char on the outside and tender, moist meat within.
A Symphony of Summer Flavors
The combination of zesty lemon chicken with the refreshing slaw is a match made in culinary heaven. The bright, tangy notes of the lemon perfectly complement the sweetness of the corn and the crispness of the cabbage and bell pepper in the slaw. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that truly encapsulates the essence of summer dining.
Mastering the Grill: Secrets to Perfectly Juicy Lemon Chicken
Grilling is an art, and while it might seem intimidating, achieving perfectly juicy chicken is simpler than you think. The key elements for this Grilled Lemon Chicken are good heat control, careful basting, and the magic of lemon.
The Power of Lemon: More Than Just Flavor
Lemon juice does wonders for chicken. Beyond imparting its characteristic bright, citrusy flavor, it acts as a tenderizer. The acidity in the lemon helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. This natural marinade is what transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary culinary experience. Applying it frequently during grilling also keeps the chicken moist and builds layers of flavor.
Essential Grilling Tips for Success
- Preheat Your Grill: Always start with a properly preheated grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Oil and Season Liberally: A thin coat of olive oil on the chicken, combined with a generous seasoning of kosher salt and black pepper, is crucial for both flavor and preventing sticking.
- Basting is Key: Don’t skip the basting! The remaining lemon juice isn’t just for flavor; it helps keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Baste frequently as you flip the chicken.
- Monitor Doneness: Chicken breasts typically take 5-6 minutes per side on medium-high heat. However, thickness varies. The best way to ensure proper doneness without overcooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Your Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
The Perfect Summer Slaw: Fresh, Crunchy, and Vibrant
No summer meal is complete without a refreshing side, and this Cabbage and Corn Slaw is the ideal companion to the zesty grilled chicken. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer’s freshest bounty.
Highlighting Seasonal Produce
- Green Cabbage: Provides a fantastic crunch and a slightly peppery base. It’s packed with vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying component.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a beautiful pop of color, a sweet, mild flavor, and a significant boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. Its crisp texture complements the cabbage perfectly.
- Sweet Corn Kernels: The star of summer, fresh corn brings a delightful sweetness and juicy texture to the slaw. Whether you use fresh off the cob, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained), it brightens the entire dish.
The Irresistible Honey-Lemon Dressing
The dressing for this slaw is deceptively simple yet incredibly effective. A harmonious blend of honey, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, it coats the vegetables beautifully without overpowering their natural flavors. The honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the lemon, while the olive oil adds a silky richness. This light and zesty dressing ties all the components of the slaw together, creating a vibrant, irresistible side dish that’s both healthy and utterly delicious.
Recipe: Grilled Lemon Chicken with Cabbage and Corn Slaw
Adapted from Real Simple, July 2010
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 small green cabbage (about 1/2 pound), cored and finely shredded
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen & thawed, or canned & drained)
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slaw Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of the fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Slaw Ingredients: Add the shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and corn kernels to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Lightly pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each chicken breast with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken generously with ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. During grilling, frequently baste the chicken with the remaining 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving whole. This helps retain the juices. Serve the juicy grilled lemon chicken immediately with generous portions of the refreshing cabbage and corn slaw on the side.
Embrace Simple, Flavorful Summer Dining
This Grilled Lemon Chicken with Cabbage and Corn Slaw is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the simplicity and joy of summer cooking without compromising on flavor or health. It addresses the common challenge of wanting light, delicious meals during hot weather while keeping you out of a stuffy kitchen.
So, the next time you’re wondering whether to go all out with a complex summer feast or keep it refreshingly simple, remember this dish. It’s a testament to how uncomplicated ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can create an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy the vibrant flavors, the effortless preparation, and the satisfaction of a meal that truly celebrates the best of summer. Happy grilling!