Grilled Southwestern Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken breasts infused with garlic and lemon pepper, topped with Provolone cheese, perfect for a flavorful summer meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slightly beat chicken breasts with a pronged mallet to flatten.
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic powder and lemon pepper.
- Marinate the chicken in Italian salad dressing for 1 hour.
- Grill the chicken until cooked through.
- Top each with 2 slices of Provolone cheese during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve topped with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. If you don't have Provolone cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack can be great substitutes. Ensure the chicken breasts are flattened evenly for uniform cooking. Marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more. For a bit of crunch, you can add crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled Southwestern chicken with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with the Chicken In Pastry for a delightful dinner. You can also serve it in tacos or wraps with additional toppings like avocado or salsa for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Southwestern Chicken contains roughly 629 calories, with 38g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1033mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Bone-in chicken can provide additional flavor but may require adjustments to the grilling time.
What can I substitute for Italian salad dressing?
If you don't have Italian salad dressing, you can make a quick substitute using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. A mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of mustard can also work well to marinate the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating jalapeños into the topping or using a spicier cheese like pepper jack. You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).