Grilled Chicken Breast And Bean Salad Recipes

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST

Steps:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board (leave several inches between them and work in batches as needed). Cover with plastic wrap to keep things tidy, and with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or your fist, pound the chicken to an even thickness. It doesn't need to be ultra thin-just make sure the middle is fairly even with the ends (the chicken should be about 1/2-inch thick).
• With a fork, poke holes all over the chicken (this will allow the marinade to absorb).
• In a large ziptop bag, combine the marinade ingredients, then add the chicken.
• Seal the bag to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Place in a pan or bowl to catch any drips. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it to marinate for up to 12 hours (5 to 6 hours is ideal). Even 15 minutes is better than nothing!
• When ready to grill, preheat the grill to high (475 degrees F). If your chicken has been in the refrigerator, remove it and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grates.
• Place the chicken on the grill presentation (smooth) side down, shaking off any excess marinade. Cover the grill and let cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip. The chicken should lift easily off the grill; if it sticks, allow it to cook another minute or two.
• Recover the grill and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes. Chicken is considered done at 165 degrees F. I like to remove chicken from the grill around the 155-160 degree F mark and allow it to finish cooking while resting. DO NOT OVERCOOK, or your chicken will be dry.
• Place the chicken on a plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes (resting is mandatory!). Add any desired toppings or sauces. Enjoy!

CAJUN GRILLED CHICKEN WITH LIME BLACK-EYED BEAN SALAD & GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• Mix together the oil, herbs, spices and garlic in a large sealable bag. Put the chicken breasts in the bag and mix thoroughly to cover. Bash the chicken with a rolling pin to flatten it a little, then set aside to marinate for at least 15 mins.
• In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for the bean salad. Stir well and set aside.
• For the guacamole, scoop the flesh from the avocado and put it in a medium bowl, chopping it roughly with the side of the spoon. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. If you prefer your guacamole to be smoother, mash the avocado well with the olive oil and lime juice until it's at your preferred consistency before stirring in the other ingredients.
• Heat the grill. Line a grill pan with foil, place the chicken breasts on it and grill for 5 mins, checking occasionally. Once golden brown, turn and grill for a further 5-7 mins. Check the middle of the breasts after 5 mins and, if cooked through, remove from the heat.
• Set aside 2 chicken breasts and 2 tbsp guacamole for Open rye sandwich (see 'goes well with', right). Place 1 warm chicken breast on each plate, with some bean salad and a dollop of guacamole on the side.

BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix marinade ingredients together, and marinate chicken at least one hour, more flavorfull the longer you marinate.
• Mix salad ingredients in large bowl, adding oil and lime juice last.
• Grill chicken, slice into strips, serve on top of salad.

BLACK BEAN CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken, beans, tomatoes, green pepper, onion and cheese. In a blender or food processor, combine the vinaigrette ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD WITH GREEN BEANS, CAPERS AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Marinate the chicken: Season breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with lemon zest, rosemary, garlic, olive oil and red pepper flakes. Smear seasoning on meat to coat well and leave at room temperature for 15 minutes. (You may season the meat up to 4 hours ahead and store covered in refrigerator.)
• Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, stir together lemon juice, garlic, mustard and capers. Whisk in olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Make the olive paste: Chop olives roughly with a food processor. Transfer to a bowl and stir in garlic and olive oil. (May be prepared in advance; keeps 1 week, refrigerated.)
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Simmer beans for 2 minutes or until tender, then drain and spread on a towel-lined baking sheet to cool.
• Meanwhile, grill the chicken: Lay skin-side down on a medium-high grill. If the fire is too hot, the skin will scorch - you want it to brown gradually. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the skin side, until skin is golden. Flip the chicken and cook on the other side for 2 minutes or so, until firm to the touch when pressed with index finger. (If using skinless breasts, reduce cooking time to about 3 minutes per side.) Remove chicken to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes.
• To assemble salad: Put beans in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and dress with vinaigrette, coating well. Transfer beans to a large platter or individual plates. Cut breasts on an angle into 1/2-inch slices and lay on top. Quickly dab about 1 teaspoon olive paste on each breast and spread on meat with back of spoon. Surround with quartered egg and scattered olives, if using. Sprinkle with parsley and basil.