Grilled Asparagus Chicken Calabrian Chili (Printable)

Juicy grilled chicken and tender asparagus with a bold, spicy Calabrian chili sauce for a flavorful main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Vegetables

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
02 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Calabrian Chili Sauce

06 - 1/3 cup Calabrian chili peppers packed in oil, finely chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon honey
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - Zest of 1 lemon
14 - Additional fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle both the chicken and asparagus with olive oil, then season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
03 - Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
04 - During the last 4 to 5 minutes of the chicken's cooking time, add the asparagus to the grill. Turn occasionally until crisp-tender and lightly charred with visible grill marks.
05 - While the chicken and asparagus cook, combine the finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers with their oil, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, honey, and chopped parsley in a small mixing bowl. Stir well and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice diagonally if desired.
07 - Arrange the grilled chicken and asparagus on serving plates. Drizzle generously with the Calabrian chili sauce and finish with fresh lemon zest and additional chopped parsley.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The Calabrian chili sauce is the kind of condiment you will start putting on everything once you try it.
  • It looks impressive enough for guests but comes together in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
  • Gluten free and low carb without feeling like you are sacrificing anything at all.
02 -
  • Do not rush the grill preheating because putting chicken on a lukew grate guarantees sticking and sadness.
  • Start with less Calabrian chili than you think you want and build up because the heat blooms and intensifies as it sits.
03 -
  • Let the sauce sit for at least ten minutes before serving so the garlic mellows and the flavors marry properly.
  • If you want those picture perfect grill marks, place the chicken at a forty five degree angle to the grates and rotate ninety degrees halfway through.

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