Sweet Tea Chicken Summer Salad

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sweet tea summer salad

What’s Up, Hungry People

If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with summertime, it’s sweet tea. But did you know that it’s much more than just a refreshing drink? The sweeter the tea, the better!

I’m usually not a big tea drinker myself, but many members of my family are, so every so often I’ll end up with a packet or two in my house. If you have bottled sweet tea, that works just the same.

Just let the chicken marinate for at least an hour – longer, or even overnight, is better! I grilled up my chicken then served it on a bed of mixed greens, strawberries, radicchio, and an assortment of other fresh veggies. I used my favorite apple cider vinaigrette as my dressing, but feel free to use your personal favorite. Sweet tea chicken goes well with dark greens, red onions, and grated cheeses like Parmesan. However you serve it, it’s always the perfect addition to a warm summer evening.

grilled sweet tea chicken on salad

Here’s What You Need:

  • Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, marinated for flavor and grilled.
  • Sweet tea: Used as a marinade base, adding a unique, sweet flavor to the chicken.
  • Romaine or green leaf lettuce: Provides a crunchy, fresh base for the salad.
  • Tomato: Adds juiciness and a burst of fresh, slightly acidic flavor.
  • Carrots: Offer a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
  • Strawberries: Introduce a sweet, fruity element that contrasts well with the savory ingredients.
  • Red onion: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Radicchio: Adds a bitter note, balancing the salad’s sweet and savory tastes.
  • Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty flavor that complements the greens.
  • Croutons: Optional for added crunch and texture in the salad.
  • Olive oil: Used in the marinade for richness and to help the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
  • Apple cider vinaigrette: Dresses the salad, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Season the chicken and the salad, enhancing all the flavors.
summer salad with sweet tea chicken

Let’s Cook

First up, we’re going to get that chicken soaking up all the goodness of sweet tea. If you’ve brewed your tea, make sure it’s cooled down to room temp. For the bottled sweet tea folks, just pour it straight in. Grab a resealable bag and pour in two cups of sweet tea, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Now, nestle those chicken breasts into the bag, seal it up, and give it a gentle shake to make sure the chicken’s fully coated. Let this sit in the fridge. An hour will do, but if you can wait a whole night, it’s even better.

Grilling Time

When marinating time’s up, it’s grill time. Heat your grill to medium-high and get those chicken breasts on there. You’re aiming for 3-5 minutes each side. You’ll know they’re done when they hit an internal temp of 165°F. Once there, pull them off and let them rest for about fifteen minutes. If you’re not into warm chicken, letting it chill in the fridge is totally fine too.

Salad Assembly

While our chicken is taking a breather, let’s tackle the salad. Chop up your lettuce—romaine or green leaf, your pick—into bite-sized pieces. Then take your tomato, carrots, strawberries, red onion, and radicchio, and get them into the mix as well. Toss in those croutons and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra bit of texture and flavor.

Dressing and Serving

Last step, let’s get dressing. Drizzle your apple cider vinaigrette over the salad and give it a gentle toss to coat everything nicely. You can choose to lay those grilled chicken slices right on top of your salad or cut them up and mix them in—whichever you prefer. There you have it, a simple yet satisfying sweet tea chicken summer salad ready to hit the table.

sweet tea marinated chicken on salad for summer

Sweet Tea Chicken Summer Salad: Tips and Tricks

  • Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken soaks in the sweet tea, the more pronounced the flavor will be. However, if you’re short on time, a minimum of one hour will still infuse your chicken with a delightful taste.
  • Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to a medium-high temperature before adding the chicken. A properly heated grill helps to sear the chicken, locking in the juices and flavor. If using a meat thermometer, the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Salad Greens Selection: Experiment with different types of greens for varied textures and flavors. While romaine and green leaf lettuce are great starters, adding spinach or arugula can introduce a peppery note to the salad, enhancing its overall taste profile.
  • Dressing Choices: While apple cider vinaigrette is recommended, don’t hesitate to try different dressings. A balsamic reduction or a citrus-based dressing can offer a delightful tanginess that complements the sweet tea chicken beautifully.
  • Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to swap out or add additional vegetables based on availability and preference. Avocado slices, cucumber, or bell peppers not only add to the nutritional value but also bring a variety of textures and flavors to the salad.
  • Cheese Options: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, try feta or goat cheese for a creamier texture and a tangy kick. These cheeses blend wonderfully with the sweet and savory components of the salad.
  • Serving Temperature: This salad can be enjoyed both warm and cold. If you prefer a cold salad, let the grilled chicken chill in the refrigerator before slicing and adding it to the salad. This is especially refreshing on hot summer days.
  • Crouton Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider making your own croutons with day-old bread. Toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and bake until golden brown. Homemade croutons add a personal touch and elevate the texture of the salad.

So there you have it, Hungry People – a straightforward, no-fuss guide to making sweet tea chicken summer salad that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can put together a meal that’s perfect for any summer day. Remember, the magic is in the marinade, so don’t skip on soaking that chicken in sweet tea for as long as you can. Whether you’re serving this up at a backyard BBQ or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is a great way to keep things light and flavorful. Enjoy!

tea chicken salad

Sweet Tea Chicken Summer Salad

The Starving Chef
Enjoy a refreshing blend of sweet tea marinated chicken served atop a bed of crisp greens and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinate 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American, Southern, Summer
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups sweet tea
  • 1 head romaine or green leaf lettuce chopped
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 5-6 strawberries sliced
  • ½ cup red onion chopped
  • 1 cup radicchio chopped
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 cup croutons optional for topping
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinaigrette
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Brew the sweet tea and allow it to cool; if using bottled sweet tea, start from room temperature. Pour two cups of the tea into a resealable bag along with the olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, seal, and marinate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.
  • Grill the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it cool for about fifteen minutes (you can also serve it chilled) then cut into slices.
  • While the chicken is cooling, chop the romaine or green leaf lettuce into bite-size pieces. Chop the strawberries, red onion, radicchio, and tomatoes as desired. Add everything to a large bowl with the shredded carrots, croutons (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
  • Gently toss the salad with your desired amount of apple cider vinaigrette. Either serve the salad with the chicken strips on top or mix the strips into the salad. Serve on a warm day and enjoy!
Keyword chicken, salad, strawberries, tea
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