Grilled Chicken with Starfruit Salsa
Enjoy a lean and flavorful meal with perfectly grilled chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, refreshing starfruit salsa. This low-carb dish is bursting with tropical notes and fresh herbs, making it perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
For 2 servings
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the salsa.
Prepare the Starfruit Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced starfruit, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. If using, add the finely diced jalapeño. Season with the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper.
Allow Salsa Flavors to Meld: Gently stir the salsa ingredients to combine. Cover the bowl and let the salsa sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes while the chicken cooks, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should have nice grill marks and be cooked through but still juicy.
Rest and Slice: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender chicken. Slice the chicken breasts against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Serve: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on plates. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh starfruit salsa over the top of each chicken breast. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach exactly 165°F (74°C) and remove them from the heat immediately.
- 2Choose Ripe Starfruit: Look for starfruit that is firm, yellow with slightly browned ridges. Avoid green starfruit, as it will be too tart. A ripe starfruit will offer a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- 3Salsa Freshness: This salsa is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but the starfruit may soften.
- 4Alternative Cooking: If you don't have a grill, you can pan-sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil over medium-high heat for the same amount of time until cooked through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute chicken with grilled white fish (like cod or mahi-mahi), shrimp, or even pork tenderloin for a different protein base.
Fruit VariationFruit Variation
Replace starfruit with other tropical fruits like diced mango, pineapple, or kiwi for a similar sweet-tangy salsa profile.
Spice Level BoostSpice Level Boost
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or include a whole deseeded and minced jalapeño (or even a habanero for extreme heat) to the salsa.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, helping to manage weight.
Rich in Vitamin C and Antioxidants
Starfruit and lime are packed with Vitamin C, boosting immunity, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Low-Calorie and Nutrient-Dense
This meal is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates while being rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh produce, supporting overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Ripe starfruit will be firm and yellow, often with light brown edges on its ridges. Avoid starfruit that is completely green, as it will be very tart, or overly soft, which indicates overripeness.
