For my Chopped Creation I made a delicious crostini and refreshing cold soup!

Not only am I super excited that I’m hosting my first ever chopped inspired challenge, I am equally as exited to share my creation!  I was randomly assigned to Group C, with the mystery ingredients of chicken, garlic, ice tea, and coconut milk.

I went back on forth on what to make, at first I wanted to make a chicken burger with a fruit and ice tea salsa on top, then I was thinking maybe breakfast with a garlic chicken omelet and fresh fruit salad, however in the end I finally came up with the perfect way to highlight all of my mystery ingredients. I made a Garlic Ice Tea Grilled Chicken Crostini with a side of Cold Coco-Berry Ice Tea Soup! My husband was my judge, his ruling: “You can make this again.” In our house those words are as good as two thumbs up!

Garlic Ice Tea Grilled Chicken Crostini

Ice tea, garlic and lime juice made the perfect marinade for my chicken breast tenderloins. I chose the tenderloins because they cook quickly and are the perfect size when sliced up for a crostini. When making the marinade make sure to grate the garlic over the liquid, that way all of the yummy garlic juices also end up in the marinade.

After marinading the chicken I wanted to grill them outside, however thanks to an empty tank of gas the grill was out. So I went for the next best thing, cooking them inside in pan. If you make them on the stove, make sure to drizzle a little olive oil in the pan to help keep them from sticking.

To assemble the crostini, use freshly toasted and sliced baguette as the base. Next add a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and a large spinach leaf. Add a few pieces of your garlic ice tea grilled chicken and drizzle a little balsamic ice tea sauce over the top. I never thought ice tea would mix so well with balsamic, but it did, and I will do it again!

Garlic Ice Tea Grilled Chicken

A combination you might not think of, but it tastes amazing! Serve it as is, or as part of a crostini with fresh mozzarella and spinach.

Ingredients

4 Chicken Breast Tenderloin Pieces

1/3 Cup Ice Tea

3-4 Gloves of Fresh Garlic

2 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Salt & Pepper

Instructions

To marinate the chicken mix the lime juice and ice tea. Grate your garlic right into the liquid marinade. Add in your salt, pepper and chicken pieces. Allow to marinade at least 15 minutes.

Cook chicken over high heat to seal in the flavor, then reduce to a medium heat until cooked throughout.

Notes

Cold Coco-Berry Ice Tea Soup

Cold soups are a staple in our household. Not only is making a cold soup easy but it is also a great refreshing addition to any summertime meal. I made this entire soup in just our blender!

Cold Coco-Berry Ice Tea Soup

Who doesn't love a nice cold refreshing cold soup on a hot summer day! This cold soup will take you on a southern vacation with the delicious mix of mango, raspberries, lime, coconut and ice tea.

Ingredients

2 Large Mangos

1 Cup Raspberries

1 Cup Coconut Milk

1/2 Cup Ice Tea

1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt (Any Topical Flavor)

1 Tablespoon Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

A Few Extra Raspberries For Garnishing

 

 

Instructions

You want to start by peeling and seeding your fresh mango. After a run in with a mango a few years ago I always use a mango slicer. Then for this recipe I used a spoon to separate the mango fruit from the skin.

In a blender, blend mango fruit, raspberries, coconut milk, ice tea, greek yogurt and lime juice. Blend on high for 30-60seconds until completely smooth. Refrigerate for at least 20minutes before serving.

Garnish with a fresh raspberry and serve cold!

Notes

I used a Key Lime Greek Yogurt, because it is my favorite, but you can use any tropical flavor. Changing up what flavor of Greek Yogurt you use is a great way to experiment with the recipe!

I promise if you give either of these recipes a try you will not be disappointed. If you recreate one of these recipes I want to know…Share your photos with me on Instagram @anaiminghighwife!

Check out all of the chopped inspired creations and vote for your favorites!