Grilled Chicken with Pickled Blueberries

The gently seasoned pickling combo brings out berries’ tart side and makes a refreshing dressing for the watercress and chicken.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 star anise
• 2 quarter-size slices fresh ginger
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 3 cups blueberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped shallot
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 6 small to medium bone-in chicken breast halves with skin (4 lbs. total)
• 1 1/2 bunches watercress
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

1. 1. For blueberries: Combine all ingredients except berries and shallot in a medium saucepan. Bring to simmering over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in berries and cook until all of them darken, about 2 minutes. Stir in shallot and let stand at room temperature about 2 hours.
2. 2. Meanwhile, prepare chicken: In a large bowl, combine lemon zest, coriander, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over chicken. Let stand at room temperature about 1 hour. Trim ends from watercress (to leave long sprigs) and rinse. Wrap in a kitchen towel and chill to crisp.
3. 3. Heat a grill to medium (400° to 450°). Rub chicken with oil, then grill it, turning once, until no longer pink in thickest part, 20 to 30 minutes.
4. 4. Arrange chicken on a platter or plates with watercress. Pour blueberries into a bowl and serve to spoon over chicken and greens.
5. Make ahead: Blueberries, up to 1 week, chilled.

Source: Sunset Magazine