Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your summer gatherings. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of traditional barbecue with the fresh, vibrant sweetness of strawberries, creating a unique culinary experience that is both comforting and refreshing. Originating from the heart of Southern cuisine, this recipe reflects the region’s love for bold flavors and seasonal ingredients, making it a perfect choice for family barbecues or casual get-togethers.
People adore Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken not only for its incredible taste but also for its tender, juicy texture that comes from marinating the chicken in a luscious strawberry-infused barbecue sauce. The convenience of this recipe is another reason it has become a favorite; its easy to prepare and can be grilled or baked, allowing you to enjoy it any time of the year. Join me as we explore this mouthwatering dish that brings a touch of Southern charm to your table!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Strawberry BBQ Sauce
First things first, lets whip up that delicious strawberry BBQ sauce that will take our chicken to the next level. Its sweet, tangy, and oh-so-flavorful!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to help the strawberries break down and blend with the other ingredients.
- Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. You want the strawberries to become soft and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. If you want more tang, a splash more vinegar will do the trick!
Preparing the Chicken
Now that our BBQ sauce is ready, lets move on to the chicken. This part is super simple and quick!
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If youre using a grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- While the grill is heating up, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear on the chicken.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help to get those beautiful grill marks.
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and brush a generous amount of the strawberry BBQ sauce on top. Grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush more BBQ sauce on the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
Assembling the Dish
Now that our chicken is perfectly grilled and coated in that luscious strawberry BBQ sauce, its time to plate it up!
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- While the chicken is resting, you can prepare your serving plates. I like to serve this dish with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
- Drizzle a little more of the strawberry BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken for that extra pop of flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve it on a toasted bun for a mouthwatering BBQ chicken sandwich.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to help the strawberries break down and blend with the other ingredients.
- Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. You want the strawberries to become soft and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. If you want more tang, a splash more vinegar will do the trick!
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If youre using a grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- While the grill is heating up, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear on the chicken.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help to get those beautiful grill marks.
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and brush a generous amount of the strawberry BBQ sauce on top. Grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush more BBQ sauce on the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- While the chicken is resting, you can prepare your serving plates. I like to serve this dish with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
- Drizzle a little more of the strawberry BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken for that extra pop of flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
- This dish pairs well with sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or a fresh garden salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, this Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game and impress their friends and family. The unique combination of sweet strawberries and tangy barbecue sauce creates a flavor explosion that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delightful chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob for a true Southern feast. You can also switch things up by using different fruits, like peaches or pineapples, to create your own signature BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative with your variations! I genuinely hope you give this Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken a try. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this fantastic recipe together! Happy cooking! Print
Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Recipe for Summer Grilling
Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on BBQ with this Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken, featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy homemade strawberry BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish is bursting with flavor and sure to impress!
Ingredients
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