Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Delight in the flavors of our Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe, perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal. This dish combines the tangy taste of orange with sweet pineapple and savory barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience. The easy preparation makes it suitable for any occasion, ensuring that you can impress your guests or treat your family with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavors: The combination of orange zest and ginger adds a refreshing twist to traditional barbecue chicken.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, salad, or grilled veggies for a complete meal that suits your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish will wow your guests at barbecues and gatherings with its unique flavor profile.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and made with fresh ingredients, it’s a guilt-free choice for health-conscious eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that delicious charred flavor on the chicken and pineapple.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling food on the grill without piercing the meat.
• Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining the sauce ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe, you’ll need the following:

For the Chicken

• 6 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
• 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled and grated)

For Grilling

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in 100% juice (drained, juice reserved)
• ½ cup reserved pineapple juice

Optional Sweetener

• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, orange zest, grated ginger, and ½ cup of reserved pineapple juice. If desired, add in the dark brown sugar for extra sweetness. Set aside half of this mixture to use as a dipping sauce when serving.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Dip folded paper towels into cooking oil. Use tongs to hold these oiled paper towels to clean and oil your grill grate. Afterward, preheat your grill to a temperature between 350° – 400°F.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Baste them generously with half of the prepared barbecue sauce. Cook each side for about 8 to 10 minutes or until juices run clear and they are fully cooked through.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

After removing the chicken from the grill, re-oil the grate using paper towels dipped in vegetable oil. Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook until they are lightly charred.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Serve each grilled chicken breast alongside a slice or two of grilled pineapple. Don’t forget to pass around the remaining barbecue sauce for dipping!

How to Serve Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Serving your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken is all about enhancing the bright flavors and making it visually appealing. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh touch.
• Green Onions: Thinly slice green onions for an extra crunch.

Pair with Grilled Pineapple

• Charred Slices: Serve grilled pineapple slices alongside the chicken for a sweet contrast.
• Pineapple Salsa: Create a refreshing salsa using diced pineapple, red onion, and jalapeño.

Serve with Colorful Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette complements the chicken well.
• Fruit Salad: A tropical fruit salad can enhance the orange flavor of the dish.

How to Perfect Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Perfecting your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken ensures every bite is delicious. Follow these tips to achieve mouthwatering results.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
• Maintain Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill properly to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check internal temperature; chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
• Baste While Cooking: Baste the chicken frequently with sauce while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes post-grilling; this helps retain juices when sliced.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Pairing sides with your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious suggestions.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the flavors of the grilled chicken.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements barbecue dishes perfectly; try grilling it alongside your chicken.
3. Baked Beans: Savory baked beans provide a hearty side that pairs well with barbecue flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings color and health benefits to your plate.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing offers a nutritious balance to your meal.
6. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a comforting touch and is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many cooks struggle with making the perfect grilled chicken. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe turns out delicious.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow enough time for the chicken to soak in the barbecue sauce mix for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooking leads to dry chicken. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C) for juicy and tender meat.
• Ignoring grill preheating: Failing to preheat the grill can cause uneven cooking. Make sure your grill reaches the right temperature of 350° – 400°F before placing your chicken on it.
• Using low-quality barbecue sauce: A poor-quality sauce can ruin your dish. Choose a barbecue sauce that complements the orange flavor and is high in quality for the best outcome.
• Not cleaning the grill: A dirty grill can affect flavor and cause sticking. Always clean and oil your grill grates before grilling to prevent this issue.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

• Freeze cooked chicken in resealable freezer bags.
• Ensure you remove as much air as possible.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or water and cook until warmed through, turning occasionally to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe special?

This recipe stands out due to its unique blend of orange zest, ginger, and pineapple juice which create a refreshing taste that enhances traditional barbecue flavors.

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes! This marinade works well with pork chops or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

How do I adjust the spice level in my Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe?

You can add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to increase heat. Adjust based on your preference while mixing the marinade.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor and then grill it just before serving.

What side dishes pair well with Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken?

Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or rice pilaf to complement its sweet and tangy flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers an exciting burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize it by adding different spices or experimenting with various side dishes! We encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken

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Discover the vibrant flavors of our Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken, a delightful dish that combines tangy orange, sweet pineapple, and savory barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in 100% juice (drained)
• ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar (optional)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce by mixing together barbecue sauce, orange zest, ginger, and reserved pineapple juice. Set aside half for dipping.
2. Preheat the grill to 350° – 400°F and oil the grates with oiled paper towels.
3. Grill chicken breasts for 8 to 10 minutes per side, basting with the sauce until fully cooked.
4. Grill pineapple slices until charred after removing chicken.
5. Serve grilled chicken with pineapple slices and remaining barbecue sauce.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Ensure proper grill temperature for even cooking; use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Consider pairing with sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.