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Perfect Romantic 4th of July Dinner for Two

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An easy, flavorful dinner for two featuring smoky grilled chicken, a fresh summer salad, and sautéed corn, perfect for a romantic 4th of July celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
  4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use tongs to flip once.
  5. While chicken grills, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add corn kernels, salt, and pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Sprinkle feta cheese on top if using.
  7. Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Arrange chicken slices alongside salad and sautéed corn on plates. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15-20 minutes for flavor; avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent citrus from ‘cooking’ the meat. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. If no grill is available, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. For dairy-free, omit feta or substitute with avocado slices. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: 4th of July, romantic dinner, grilled chicken, summer salad, easy dinner for two, smoky paprika, healthy dinner

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