Delight your taste buds with this Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe. This dish combines the vibrant flavors of orange, ginger, and pineapple to create a unique barbecue experience. Perfect for any summer gathering, family dinner, or even a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and family alike with its juicy, flavorful chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of orange zest and ginger elevates traditional barbecue chicken to a new level.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a main course at summer barbecues or served alongside salads for a lighter meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet and tangy taste appeals to both adults and children, making it a family favorite.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in fat, this grilled chicken is a nutritious choice for any meal plan.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary tools on hand. Having the right equipment will make your grilling experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect char on the chicken.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken without losing juices while grilling.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and marinades easily before cooking.
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)
- 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
For the Pineapple
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in 100% juice (drained, juice reserved)
For the Sauce
- 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 Marinade
Stir together the barbecue sauce, orange zest, grated ginger, ½ cup of reserved pineapple juice, and brown sugar if using. Set aside half of this mixture for later use as a serving sauce.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Dip folded paper towels in cooking oil. Use tongs to hold these oiled paper towels to clean and oil your grill grates. Preheat your grill to 350° – 400°F.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Sear the chicken breasts over the hot grill while basting them with half of your prepared marinade. Cook until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches safe levels—about 8 to 10 minutes per side.
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple
After cooking the chicken, oil your grill grate again with the paper towels. Grill pineapple slices until they are lightly charred on both sides.
Step 5: Serve
Serve each grilled chicken breast with one or two slices of grilled pineapple. Pass around the remaining barbecue sauce for extra flavor when serving. Enjoy your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken!
How to Serve Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe
Serving your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken is an opportunity to enhance the flavors and create a delightful meal. Pair it with fresh sides, sauces, and garnishes to impress your guests or family.
With Fresh Pineapple Slices
- Pineapple Rings: Charred pineapple slices add sweetness and complement the barbecue sauce perfectly.
- Pineapple Salsa: A refreshing salsa made with diced pineapple, cilantro, and lime for a zesty kick.
On a Bed of Rice
- Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice balances the flavorful chicken.
- Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice offers a healthy option that absorbs the barbecue sauce well.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Extra Barbecue Sauce: Serve extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who love a saucy bite.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet and spicy dip that adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
How to Perfect Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken, follow these essential tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and orange zest elevate the flavors, making your dish more vibrant.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is properly heated before cooking to achieve perfect grill marks.
- Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes enhances its taste.
- Baste While Cooking: Basting your chicken while it cooks keeps it moist and infuses extra flavor from the sauce.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain its juices.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe
Pairing your grilled chicken with delicious sides can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well with barbecue flavors; brush with butter and sprinkle with salt.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic side that complements grilled meats perfectly.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans enhance barbecue meals with their rich flavor profile.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients to your plate, enhancing visual appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
Bold phrase: Using too much sauce – Over-saucing can overpower the chicken’s flavor. Stick to basting with just enough sauce for a delicious balance.
Bold phrase: Not preheating the grill – Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to ensure that your chicken and pineapple get those perfect grill marks.
Bold phrase: Cooking chicken at too high a temperature – This can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for a medium heat of 350° – 400°F for optimal results.
Bold phrase: Forgetting to rest the chicken – Allowing it to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain its juices. This small step makes a big difference in tenderness.
Bold phrase: Ignoring doneness – Not checking if the chicken is fully cooked can lead to food safety issues. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; be sure to label with the date.
Reheating Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals (about 1 minute) until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe unique?
This recipe combines vibrant orange flavor with hints of ginger and pineapple, creating a deliciously different barbecue experience that stands out from traditional grilled chicken dishes.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before grilling. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors from the marinade to penetrate well.
What type of barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
A sweet or tangy barbecue sauce complements the orange flavor beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
How long should I marinate the chicken before grilling?
While marinating is not necessary, if you choose to do so, even 30 minutes can enhance flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different spices or herbs according to your taste preferences. Adding chili flakes can give it a spicy kick!
Final Thoughts
The Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its bright flavors make it perfect for summer barbecues or any family dinner. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Orange Barbecue Grilled Chicken Recipe, perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. This dish features tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of orange zest, fresh ginger, and tangy barbecue sauce, complemented by sweet grilled pineapple. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also brings a burst of flavor that will impress both family and guests. Serve it alongside refreshing sides or as a standalone main course for a delightful meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 can pineapple slices (20 oz) in juice
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, orange zest, ginger, pineapple juice, and brown sugar (if using). Set aside half for serving.
- Preheat the grill to 350° – 400°F and oil the grates with oiled paper towels.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 8 to 10 minutes per side while basting with marinade until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Grill the pineapple slices until lightly charred on both sides.
- Serve grilled chicken with pineapple slices and remaining sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pineapple slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg