Grilled Chicken With Parsley-Olive Sauce

This keto-friendly recipe for grilled chicken paired with a zesty parsley-olive sauce is perfect for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal without compromising on taste.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
    • Salt and black pepper (Kosher preferred)
    • Olive oil (for grilling)
  • Parsley-Olive Sauce:
    • 1 Fresno chile, finely sliced
    • 1 fresh lemon, divided (zest and juice)
    • 1/2 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, torn
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, both leaves and stems, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons brine from Castelvetrano olives
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Grill:
    • Preheat your grill, setting up for two-zone heat: a hotter side for searing and a cooler side for finishing the cooking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If the pieces are uneven, gently flatten them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
    • Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
  3. Make the Parsley-Olive Sauce:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced Fresno chile, torn Castelvetrano olives, chopped parsley, and brine.
    • Zest half of the lemon into the bowl, then squeeze in the juice of the entire lemon.
    • Stir in the extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  4. Grill the Chicken:
    • Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
    • Place the chicken on the hotter side of the grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on the first side until nicely browned.
    • Flip the chicken and move it to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F for chicken breasts or 165°F for chicken thighs.
  5. Combine and Rest:
    • Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and spoon the parsley-olive sauce over the top.
    • Allow the chicken to rest for 5-30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice or pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this grilled chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus to keep the meal low-carb and keto-friendly.
  • A fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette would also pair wonderfully with the vibrant parsley-olive sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 3g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Net Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 25g

Tips and Benefits:

  • Healthy Fats: The olive oil and olives provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health and satiety.
  • Low-Carb: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for those following a keto diet.
  • Vibrant Flavors: The combination of fresh lemon, spicy chile, and briny olives adds a burst of flavor without adding carbs.
  • Customizable: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chile slices, or try a milder pepper if you prefer less heat.

This keto-friendly grilled chicken with parsley-olive sauce is sure to become a favorite for anyone looking for a delicious, nutritious meal!