– **Title**: Slay Chicken Glow-Up Plate
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ranch, honey mustard)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. **Prepare the Coating**: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. **Coat the Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. **Fry the Chicken**: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. **Prepare the Salad**: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
6. **Dress the Salad**: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
7. **Assemble the Plate**: On a large plate, arrange a serving of the salad alongside the crispy fried chicken.
8. **Serve**: Drizzle any optional dipping sauce over the chicken or serve on the side. Enjoy your Slay Chicken Glow-Up Plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you want a change, chicken thighs can be juicier and add more flavor.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely richness. If you need a substitute for a lower smoke point, avocado oil works well too!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika plus a pinch of cayenne can give you a nice kick.
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies not only add flavor but also look great on the plate. Feel free to swap in other colors or even zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
Lime: The lime juice gives a fresh zing. If limes aren’t available, try lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar. Their acidity brightens the dish.
How Do You Get Juicy Grilled Chicken?
The trick to juicy grilled chicken is in the marinating process. This helps to infuse flavor and moisture, ensuring your chicken is not dry. Here’s how you do it:
- Mix your marinade well, so all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Make sure to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to a few hours in the fridge.
- When grilling, avoid pressing the chicken down with a spatula. This can squeeze out its juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through without overcooking.
How to Make Slay Chicken Glow-Up Plate?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggies:
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes marinating the chicken and prepping the bell peppers, followed by 15 minutes cooking everything on the grill. It’s a quick and fun meal to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get those beautiful grill marks.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This tasty mixture will give the chicken tons of flavor!
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Give them a good rub to make sure they’re well covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the veggies.
4. Slicing the Bell Peppers:
Slice the yellow, red, and green bell peppers into strips. This will add some color and crunch to our plate—so pretty!
5. Grilling the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. They should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done.
6. Adding the Veggies:
In the last few minutes of cooking, throw the sliced bell peppers onto the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender and slightly charred.
7. Resting the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After that, slice the chicken into strips.
8. Assembling Your Plate:
On a serving plate, arrange the grilled chicken slices over the cooked bell peppers. Finish off by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick if you like!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Slay Chicken Glow-Up Plate!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken! Just keep in mind that it will take longer to cook – about 10-12 minutes per side at medium-high heat. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Bell Peppers?
If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, feel free to substitute with zucchini, asparagus, or even mushrooms! Just slice them similarly and grill for about 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maximize freshness, keep the chicken and peppers separate, and you can reheat them on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Longer Than 15 Minutes?
Absolutely! Marinating for up to 2 hours or even overnight in the fridge will enhance the flavors even more. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as it can start to affect the texture of the chicken.
