She Strengthens

Savory Summer Grilling: A Flavorful Twist on Barbecued Chicken

Are you tired of the same old grilled chicken recipes? Look no further! This Asian-inspired summer meal is a game-changer. Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, sake, and garlic, then grill to perfection with a sweet and tangy basting sauce.

The Perfect Marinade

Combine 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry, and 4 medium garlic cloves in a large resealable plastic bag. Add 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Sweet and Tangy Basting Sauce

Whisk together 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup naturally sweetened pineapple juice, 1/4 cup sake or dry sherry, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, and 2 medium garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce has reduced to about 1 1/4 cups. Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water, whisk to combine, and cook until the sauce has thickened.

Grilling and Serving

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear. Brush the chicken with the basting sauce and continue to grill, flipping every 5 minutes, until cooked through. Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and accompanied by a side of soy-sauce-dressed, grilled corn on the cob and an edamame and wild rice salad.

Tips and Variations

• For a quick and easy side dish, grill corn on the cob with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Add some crunch to your meal with a refreshing edamame and wild rice salad.
• Experiment with different types of protein, such as pork or tofu, for a unique twist on this recipe.

Special Equipment

• Pastry brush or barbecue basting brush
• Large resealable plastic bag
• Small saucepan
• Gas or charcoal grill
• Instant-read thermometer

Yield and Cooking Time

• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy
• Total cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes, plus at least 2 hours marinating time