We have a ton of fresh basil in the garden, so I wanted to make use of that. I decided to do this chicken sauté dish with a delicious, fresh garden salsa. I was also inspired by a recent issue of my favorite cooking mag that featured various grain dishes. I had barley in the fridge, so I made this great, lemon and bay leaf-scented pilaf as a side (I’m very keen on things flavored with lemon and bay leaf!). The main and side went so well together — I hope you’ll give them a try!

Chicken with Summer Garden Salsa

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
12 oz grape tomatoes, cut lengthwise into thirds
1/4 cup chopped green onions
3 Tbsp finely sliced fresh basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded between sheets of plastic to an even 1/2-inch thickness
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 Tbsp butter
1 1/12 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a bowl, toss corn with 1 Tbsp olive oil and spread mixture evenly on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Roast for about 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until corn begins to brown. Transfer to a bowl. Stir in tomatoes, green onions, basil, 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then dust with the flour (shaking off excess). Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté about 5 minutes per side, until done. Serve chicken topped with tomato-corn salsa.

Barley Pilaf

1 Tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup pearl barley
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1 tsp grated lemon peel

Heat butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until onion softens. Add Barley. Stirring constantly, cook 3 minutes. Add the stock, salt and bay leaf. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon peel, cover and let stand 10 minutes.

Serves 4.