Why do people like grilled chicken?

Because it's juicy, flavorful, versatile, and healthier than most meats.

What does grilled chicken breast taste like?

Mild, savory, slightly sweet, and smoky when grilled.

It's high in protein, low in fat, and perfect for weight management.

Tadka-Ish sauce, chimichurri, and garlic aioli are top picks.

Juicy grilled chicken meets a tangy, spicy tadka-ish dressing packed with bold flavors and crisp greens.

Scale

Zest and juice of ½ lemon
1 garlic clove, finely grated
½ cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1½ tsp. pure maple syrup
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt
2½ lb. skin-on, boneless chicken breasts (about 5)
1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 Tbsp. nigella seeds or cumin seeds
5 scallions, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 head of Little Gem or romaine lettuce, leaves separated, torn into large pieces
5 oz. peppery greens (such as radicchio, arugula, or watercress)

In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, garlic, buttermilk, mayonnaise, maple syrup, and black pepper. Season with kosher salt to taste and chill the dressing.
Season chicken breasts with salt and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. Brush chicken with olive oil and grill until cooked through and nicely charred, about 6–8 minutes per side.
Transfer to a plate and let rest while preparing tadka sauce.
In a small saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium. Add nigella or cumin seeds and let sizzle for a few seconds.
Add scallions, lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook until scallions are soft, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Slice grilled chicken. Arrange lettuce and greens on a serving platter, drizzle with chilled dressing, and top with chicken.
Spoon the warm tadka sauce over the top and serve immediately.

You can swap nigella seeds with cumin seeds for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: grilled chicken, tadka, spicy sauce, buttermilk dressing, fusion recipe