Chicken & Tomato Salad

This zesty and vibrant Orange Maple Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of fresh oranges with the savory flavors of marinated chicken. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal, and it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. This recipe yields four servings, making it an ideal option for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For Chicken:

• 3 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, trimmed
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1½ teaspoons dried thyme, crushed

For Salad:

• 6 cups fresh arugula
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt and ground black pepper, as required

INSTRUCTIONS:

For Chicken:

1. In a zip lock bag, combine the chicken breasts with orange zest, orange juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, maple syrup, and dried thyme.
2. Seal the bag and shake it to ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
3. Refrigerate the bag for 6-8 hours, flipping it occasionally to distribute the flavors evenly.

For Cooking Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to the broiler setting.
2. Line a broiler pan with a piece of foil to make cleanup easier.
3. Position the oven rack about 6 inches away from the broiler’s heating element.
4. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade bag and discard the marinade.
5. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared broiler pan.
6. Broil the chicken for approximately 15 minutes, flipping it once halfway through the cooking time.
7. Once done, remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes.
8. Slice the chicken breasts into your desired-sized pieces.

For Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the fresh arugula and quartered cherry tomatoes.
2. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice over the salad.
3. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
4. Toss the salad ingredients together to coat them evenly.
5. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and gently stir to combine.

To Serve:

1. Plate the Orange Maple Chicken Salad and serve immediately, allowing your guests to savor the vibrant flavors of this delightful dish.

TIPS:

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: To infuse the chicken with the delicious flavors of orange zest, ginger, and maple syrup, marinate it for at least 6-8 hours. This step enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
• Preheat the Broiler: Make sure to preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack about 6 inches away from the heating element. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden brown finish on the chicken.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the salad, opt for fresh arugula and ripe cherry tomatoes. Fresh ingredients contribute to the overall freshness and vibrancy of the dish.
• Toss Salad Just Before Serving: To maintain the salad’s crispiness, toss it with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper just before serving. This prevents the arugula from wilting prematurely.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 316
• Fat: 15.8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1.9g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 30.4g

This Orange Maple Chicken Salad is not only bursting with flavor but also offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a healthy and satisfying meal choice for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors in every bite!