Grilled Lemon Chicken with Corn-Basil Relish

Golden lemon-Dijon chicken, smoky summer zucchini, and a juicy corn-basil relish make this bright August dinner irresistible.

  • Total time: 40 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $15
  • Calories per serving: 680 cal
  • Grill

Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    1 pound $5.99
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    2 medium (about 12 ounces) $2.77
  • Bi-color Corn
    2 ears $0.79
  • Organic Basil
    1/4 ounce (about 1/2 cup loosely packed) $2.99
  • Organic Lemons
    1 medium, zested and juiced (2 tablespoons juice) $1.29
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    3 tablespoons, divided
  • Dijon mustard
    1 tablespoon
  • Honey
    1 teaspoon
  • Garlic
    1 clove, finely grated
  • Kosher salt
    2 teaspoons, divided
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon, divided
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat a clean grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F, allowing about 10 minutes for it to heat.

  2. 2.

    Pat the chicken dry. In a medium bowl, combine:

    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • Zest of 1 medium lemon
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 finely grated garlic clove
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Turn until the chicken is evenly coated, then marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

  3. 3.

    Husk 2 ears bi-color corn. Cut 2 medium zucchini lengthwise into planks about 1/2 inch thick.

  4. 4.

    Coat the zucchini evenly with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

  5. 5.

    Grill the corn, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until tender and charred in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer it to a cutting board to cool slightly.

  6. 6.

    Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, closing the lid between turns, until browned and the thickest pieces register 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.

  7. 7.

    While the chicken cooks, grill the zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until crisp-tender with distinct grill marks. Transfer it to a serving platter.

  8. 8.

    Cut the kernels from the grilled corn. Tear or thinly slice 1/4 ounce basil, then combine the corn and basil with:

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

    Stir well to make the corn-basil relish; taste and adjust only the finishing seasoning if needed.

  9. 9.

    Arrange the rested chicken beside the grilled zucchini and spoon the corn-basil relish over both. Serve warm.

Drink pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony chicken, fresh basil, and lightly charred vegetables.