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Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a tangy balsamic blackberry dressing and crispy fried goat cheese crumbles. This salad combines fresh mixed greens, the sweetness of blackberries, and crunchy goat cheese for a delicious and elegant meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Dressing

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salad

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens

Crispy Fried Goat Cheese

  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Grill: Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking temperature for the chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. Coat Chicken in Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat evenly, helping to prevent sticking and promote browning.
  4. Grill Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  5. Prepare Dressing Base: While the chicken is grilling, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and blackberries in a small saucepan to start making the dressing.
  6. Cook Blackberry Mixture: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until blackberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Mash Blackberries: Remove from heat and mash the blackberries with a spoon to create a smoother texture for the dressing.
  8. Finish Dressing: Let the dressing cool slightly, then stir in Dijon mustard and chopped fresh basil. Set aside for serving.
  9. Prepare Coating Bowls: Set up three shallow bowls with flour in one, beaten egg in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the third to bread the goat cheese.
  10. Coat Goat Cheese: Dip crumbled goat cheese pieces first into flour, then egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs to prepare for frying.
  11. Heat Oil: In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), perfect for frying.
  12. Fry Goat Cheese: Carefully add coated goat cheese crumbles to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  13. Drain Goat Cheese: Remove fried goat cheese from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  14. Rest Chicken: Once cooked, remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  15. Prepare Salad Base: Toss mixed salad greens in a large bowl with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten and season the greens.
  16. Slice Chicken: Slice the rested grilled chicken breasts into thin strips for easy plating and eating.
  17. Assemble Salad: Arrange salad greens on serving plates or a large platter as the bed for the chicken and toppings.
  18. Add Chicken: Top the greens evenly with the sliced grilled chicken strips.
  19. Dress Salad: Drizzle the balsamic blackberry dressing generously over the chicken and greens for a burst of tangy flavor.
  20. Add Goat Cheese: Gently scatter the crispy fried goat cheese crumbles over the top to add texture and tang.
  21. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and most flavorful.

Notes

  • Make sure the grill is hot before placing the chicken to achieve nice grill marks and prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor in the dressing, but frozen can be used if fresh are out of season.
  • Keep an eye on the goat cheese while frying to ensure it doesn’t burn; medium heat is key for even cooking.
  • The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated, rewarm slightly before serving.
  • For a low-fat option, omit the fried goat cheese or bake it instead.
  • Resting the chicken after grilling helps keep it moist and tender.

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Find it online: https://homecookinggenius.com/blackberry-balsamic-grilled-chicken-salad-with-crispy-fried-goat-cheese-recipe/