Holiday Black Pepper Chicken (Printable)

Tender black pepper chicken paired with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt dressing for festive meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 lb)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Salad

07 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
10 - ½ red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - ½ cup pomegranate seeds
13 - ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Yogurt Dressing

14 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
15 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1 teaspoon honey
18 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
20 - ½ teaspoon salt
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry. Combine olive oil, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
03 - Grill or sear the chicken breasts for 6 to 8 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat, cover loosely, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
04 - In a large bowl, toss together salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
05 - Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and fresh herbs in a bowl until smooth.
06 - Divide salad among plates, top with warm sliced chicken, and drizzle generously with the yogurt dressing.
07 - Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes total.
  • Combines smoky, peppery chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables.
  • The creamy yogurt dressing adds a refreshing tang and herbal aroma.
  • Perfectly balanced as a light yet protein-rich main dish.
  • Gluten-free and full of vibrant holiday colors.
02 -
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
  • Toast walnuts lightly to enhance their crunch and aroma.
  • Whisk yogurt dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
  • Allow salad ingredients to chill separately before assembling for an extra refreshing dish.
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