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
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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