Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa

 Here’s a flavorful recipe for Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa, a light and refreshing dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with a vibrant, sweet-and-savory salsa made from fresh watermelon and cucumber.

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Ingredients

For the Marinated Grilled Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lime juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa

2 cups watermelon, diced into small cubes

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.

2. Prepare the Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa

In a medium bowl, combine the diced watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.

Add lime juice and honey (if using), and toss everything gently to combine.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the salsa for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

3. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

4. Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Serve the grilled chicken topped with the refreshing cucumber-watermelon salsa.

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Tips

For a more smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of chipotle powder to the marinade.

This dish is great with a side of rice or a light green salad.

You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.

Enjoy your Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa, a perfect combination of savory and sweet that’s sure to impress!