## Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
### Introduction
Get set and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing flavors of Herb Chicken served with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad. This is a light and refreshing dish perfect for a healthy lunch or fulfilling dinner.
### Why Make This Recipe
This recipe strikes the right balance between fulfilling and healthy eating. It’s packed full of protein from the chicken and abundant in essential vitamins from the fresh cucumber and tomato salad. The added herbs deliver a tantalizing flavor that’s hard to resist.
### How to Make Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
#### Ingredients:
**For the Herb Chicken:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:**
– 2 cucumbers, diced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare a mixture of olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Coat the chicken breasts with the herb mixture and place it on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked thoroughly.
5. For the salad, combine cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil in a large bowl.
6. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over it.
7. Season it with salt and pepper.
8. Toss everything together so that the veggies are coated evenly in the dressing.
### How to Serve Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Once baked to perfection, slice the herb chicken and serve it alongside the freshly prepared cucumber and tomato salad. This light and palatable meal is sure to captivate your taste buds.
### How to Store Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Transfer the leftover chicken and salad to air-tight containers and store them separately in the refrigerator. It’s recommended to consume the salad within 2 days while the chicken can be kept safely for 3-4 days.
### Tips to Make Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
– Marinate the chicken with the herb mixture for about 30 minutes before baking for added flavor.
– Always preheat your oven before baking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
– Choose ripe and firm tomatoes for the salad for the tastiest results.
### Variation
You can add feta cheese or olives to your salad for a little variation and extra flavor. Also, other herbs like parsley or oregano can be used for the chicken.
### FAQs
#### Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can cook it over medium heat on a grill pan until fully cooked. Ensure to turn the chicken to cook it evenly.
#### Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Indeed. Feel free to add bell pepper, lettuce or even zucchini to amp up the nutritional quotient of the salad.
#### Can I substitute red wine vinegar?
Yes, in case you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Excite your taste buds with this simple yet delectable Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad. Happy cooking!