Lemon-Basil Chicken with Sweet Corn Salsa

A refreshing dish featuring tender lemon-basil chicken paired with a vibrant sweet corn salsa, perfect for a light summer meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by marinating the chicken breast. Place the chicken in a shallow dish, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over it, and add a handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the acid and herbs to tenderize and infuse flavor into the meat. While waiting, prepare the salsa.
2. 2.
   For the sweet corn salsa, finely chop the red onion. Use fresh, raw sweet corn for a crisp texture—slice the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife by standing the ear vertically on a cutting board. Combine half a cup of the corn kernels with the chopped onion in a bowl. For added flavor, mix in zest from the lemon and a few more torn basil leaves. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. 3.
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once the pan is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off before placing it in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should develop a golden brown crust, which indicates it's well-seared. If it browns too fast without cooking through, reduce the heat to medium and cover briefly.
4. 4.
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board. Allowing the meat to rest for a couple of minutes helps retain its juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful bite. While the chicken rests, give the sweet corn salsa a final stir and taste for seasoning, adding another squeeze of lemon if desired for fresh acidity.
5. 5.
   Slice the chicken breast and plate it with a generous spoonful of sweet corn salsa on top. The balance of the savory chicken, the acidic pop from the lemon, and the sweet crunch of the corn create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures perfect for a light, summer meal.