Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Delightful and easy to make, the Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe offers a vibrant twist on your typical barbecue fare. With a zesty orange flavor paired with ginger and pineapple, this dish is perfect for family dinners or summer cookouts. You’ll find that it stands out with its unique taste and simplicity, making it an instant favorite at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion – The combination of orange zest, ginger, and barbecue sauce delivers a mouthwatering taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish – Great for summer barbecues, weeknight meals, or as a crowd-pleaser at parties.
• Healthy Option – Packed with lean protein from chicken breasts and natural sweetness from pineapple.
• Grill-Friendly – Ideal for outdoor cooking; it captures that smoky grilled flavor everyone loves.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These help ensure a smooth cooking process and delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill – Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on the chicken breasts.
• Tongs – Helps you safely handle the hot chicken and flip it without losing juices.
• Mixing bowl – Necessary for blending the sauce ingredients thoroughly before applying them to the chicken.
• Basting brush – Allows you to evenly coat your chicken with sauce while grilling.

Ingredients

Deliciously different and a breeze to throw together in a flash – you’ll love the bright orange flavor and the hint of ginger and pineapple juice in the sauce. Lip smacking good!

For the Chicken

• 6 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)

For the Sauce

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in 100% juice (drained, juice reserved)
• 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
• ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
• 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

Stir together the barbecue sauce, orange zest, grated ginger, ½ cup of the reserved pineapple juice, and brown sugar if using. Set aside half of the sauce for serving later.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Dip folded paper towels in cooking oil. Use tongs to hold them while cleaning and oiling the grill grates. Preheat your grill to 350° – 400°F.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Sear the chicken breasts over a hot grill while basting with half of the barbecue sauce. Cook until juices run clear and breasts are fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes per side.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

Oil the grate using paper towels dipped in vegetable oil. Place pineapple slices on the grill until they are lightly charred.

Step 5: Serve

Serve each grilled chicken breast with one or two slices of charred pineapple. Pass along any remaining barbecue sauce for extra flavor when serving.

How to Serve Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Serving your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken is a delightful experience, as the bright flavors pair well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your meal.

Fresh Salad

• Mix greens: Combine arugula, spinach, and romaine for a refreshing base.
• Citrus vinaigrette: Drizzle a light dressing made from orange juice and olive oil for added zing.

Grilled Vegetables

• Zucchini and bell peppers: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling for a smoky flavor.
• Corn on the cob: Grill until slightly charred for a sweet accompaniment.

Rice Pilaf

• Lemon-infused rice: Cook basmati rice with lemon zest and parsley for a fragrant side.
• Add nuts: Toss in toasted almonds or cashews for crunch.

Pineapple Salsa

• Chopped pineapple, red onion, and cilantro: Mix these ingredients for a sweet and spicy topping.
• Serve chilled: This pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken’s flavor.

Garlic Bread

• Toasted baguette slices: Spread with garlic butter and grill until golden brown.
• Herb topping: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or oregano for an aromatic touch.

Avocado Slices

• Fresh avocado: Serve alongside the chicken for creaminess.
• Lime squeeze: A splash of lime juice enhances the flavor even more.

How to Perfect Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Perfecting your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Marinate ahead: Let the chicken soak in the barbecue sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
• Preheat the grill properly: Ensure your grill reaches between 350° – 400°F for optimal cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee doneness.
• Baste while grilling: Apply additional sauce during cooking to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Rest before serving: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute.
• Experiment with spices: Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the sauce for an extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing adds freshness.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a lovely contrast to the savory chicken.
3. Quinoa Salad: Toss quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette for a healthy twist.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries offer sweetness that balances BBQ flavors.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings comfort food vibes to your table.
6. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze adds elegance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the marination time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Try marinating for at least 30 minutes for a flavor boost.
• Using too much heat: Cooking the chicken over high heat can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for a medium heat and cook slowly for even results.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on cooking time may result in undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Forgetting to reserve sauce: Failing to set aside some barbecue sauce before basting can leave you without extra sauce for serving. Always reserve half before starting.
• Neglecting pineapple preparation: Grilling pineapple without draining it can cause excess moisture and prevent proper caramelization. Make sure to drain and dry the slices beforehand.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The chicken will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts until warm (1-2 minutes).
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or reserved sauce until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe unique?

This recipe combines citrusy orange flavors with sweet pineapple and ginger, creating a delicious twist on traditional barbecue chicken.

How can I customize my Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or try different fruit juices like mango or peach for variety.

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What side dishes pair well with Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken?

Great sides include coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or rice pilaf. These complement the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Its bright flavors make it perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Feel free to experiment with different marinades and side dishes to make it your own!

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Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe, a delightful twist on traditional barbecue dishes. This easy-to-make recipe combines zesty orange, spicy ginger, and sweet pineapple for a deliciously unique flavor profile that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, this dish is packed with lean protein and natural sweetness, making it a healthy choice. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have succulent grilled chicken ready to serve alongside your favorite sides. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleaser that promises to become a staple at your gatherings!

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, orange zest, grated ginger, reserved pineapple juice, and brown sugar. Set aside half of the sauce for serving.
2. Preheat Grill: Clean grill grates with oil-dipped paper towels and preheat to 350° – 400°F.
3. Grill Chicken: Sear chicken breasts on the grill while basting with half of the sauce, cooking about 8-10 minutes per side until juices run clear.
4. Grill Pineapple: Oil the grate again and grill pineapple slices until lightly charred.
5. Serve: Plate grilled chicken with charred pineapple slices and serve extra sauce on the side.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (170g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Marinate chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F. Experiment with different fruits or spices for unique variations.