Smoked Carolina Gold Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, house-smoked chicken breast paired with a vibrant salsa featuring locally grown heirloom tomatoes and garden herbs, capturing the essence of South Carolina farm-to-table dining. This Southern-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 385 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes while preheating grill to 375°F.
  2. Step 2: Brush grill grates with olive oil and place chicken on grill. Cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden brown, basting occasionally with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine diced heirloom tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Slice cooked chicken 1/4 inch thick and serve immediately with tomato salsa and avocado slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Carolina Gold Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoked Carolina Gold Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Carolina Gold Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoked Carolina Gold Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoked Carolina Gold Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salsa?

Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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