Light and Luscious: grilled chicken with fresh herbs and tomato compote

This is a very simple recipe, yet the dish has such bold flavors. Cinnamon is the secret ingredient that lends a unique taste.  It’s been lightened a bit by RHL nutritionist and advisory board member, Carol Plotkin, M.S., R.D. 

Serves 6

Chicken

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley    
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Nonstick cooking spray

Tomato Compote

2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces tomatoes, cut into 1/2 -inch pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons minced garlic      
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

To cook the chicken:

Whisk the lemon juice, oil, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, lemon pepper, paprika, and cinnamon in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 day, turning occasionally.

Spray the grill rack with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare the barbecue for medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts until they are just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. The chicken should still be soft to the touch; if it's too firm, it is overcooked and will be dry. So watch it carefully.

Meanwhile, prepare the tomato compote:

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes, onion, parsley, oregano, garlic, pepper, and salt. Sauté just until the tomatoes are heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the pine nuts.

Transfer the chicken to a platter. Spoon the warm tomato compote over the chicken and serve.

Nutritional Information:  289 calories, 28 g protein, 6 g carbohydrate, 16 g total fat, 2.24 g sat fat, 68 mg cholesterol, 278 mg sodium.

Recipe from Zov:  Recipes and Memories from the Heart by noted California restaurateur Zov Karamardian.  Available at Amazon.com and elsewhere.