Is it just me, or is there something about summer that makes you not want to get in the kitchen and cook? Which makes absolutely no sense, because really, produce is it’s best in the summer, so that should be incentive enough. Maybe it’s the heat though – when you are hot, you don’t want to heat up more by cooking? I don’t know what it is, but meals around here have been so simple lately or basically non-existent. I’ve eaten a good PB&J for dinner more than once.
And this meal – it’s actually one that I didn’t even really plan on blogging, because really, it is so simple. But we both liked it so much that I figured I had to share. And I don’t know if it was the lemon juice on the chicken that made it perfect, but I have never grilled a piece of chicken so well before. Super juicy and full of flavor – where usually, when I’m at the grill, whatever I have on there ends up dry and tough. Maybe I’m just getting better at it!!
Do you like to keep it simple in the summer, or do you still go all out?
Grilled Lemon Chicken with Cabbage and Corn Slaw
from Real Simple July 2010
2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 small green cabbage (1/2 pound), cored and shredded
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup corn kernals
4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the cabbage, bell pepper, and corn and toss to combine.
Heat grill to medium-high. Rub the chicken with the remaining teaspoon of oil and season with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, basting often with the remaining 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, until cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Serve with the slaw.
abbi says
I agree, I often don't want to spend time in the kitchen. But, I love heating up the grill. I'll be making this next week. PS – Made the Thai Shrimp & Noodles you posted awhile ago this week…was yummy!
Barbara says
I agree, Deborah, aside from grilling, I don't think many of us want to be cooking and certainly not in a hot kitchen when we can be outside.
Love your dish…easy and healthy.
newlywed says
I am the opposite. Because I am a teacher, I have much more spare time in the summer, so I like to spend as much time in the kitchen as possible. Here is where living in a basement apartment has its benefits! (Okay, that is really the only benefit…)
Holly says
This sounds so fresh and light-perfect for summer!
Joanne says
You are just becoming a master griller! I'll need to pass this chicken recipe onto my parents. I'm in the kitchen constantly but my apartment is just alarmingly cool all the time…it's very strange.
Monet says
Even though we don't have AC, I want to be in the kitchen constantly! I have been having a love affair with cabbage slaws too. They are so fresh and crisp and serve as the perfect accompaniment. Yum!
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Susi says
Great summer meal!
Ingrid says
It's funny to read people saying that it's so hot they don't want to cook. Because I live in FL (and it's pretty much HOT all year long) and all the buildings have central a/c I never think about it much. As a matter of fact it's often COLD inside. 🙂
All that said this look like a lovely dinner to whip up after work when things are kinda hectic.
~ingrid
kat says
The slaw sounds really tasty
Pam says
This is great for summer and easy makes it work even better!
Liz says
I keep it so simple. I cannot tell you how often we have grilled chicken and salad. This looks simple and delicious though.
Patsyk says
Well, the first part of the summer I was keeping things very simple… just didn't have as much interest in cooking up new recipes. But, the last week or so, I've been much more inspired to make more recipes… and, they have been things that don't heat up the house as much, too.
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
A very healthy meal. So pleasant!
Cheers,
Rosa