She Strengthens

Summer’s Sweetest Staple: Grilled Chicken with a Twist

When the sun shines bright, nothing beats the flavor of grilled chicken slathered in rich, tangy sauce. But let’s set the record straight – we’re not talking about traditional barbecue here. This is a recipe for those who crave juicy, crispy-edged chicken with a saucy kick.

A Flavorful Foundation

Our secret to success lies in a simple yet sublime sauce, crafted with a blend of ketchup, dark brown sugar, garlic, and spices. This sweet and savory mixture is the perfect accompaniment to your grilled chicken.

Saucy Perfection

To create this mouthwatering sauce, combine 1 1/2 cups of ketchup, 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar, 3 medium garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons of paprika, 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of celery salt in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using or storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Grilled to Perfection

Now it’s time to prepare your chicken. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (around 350°F to 450°F) and rub the grates with a towel dipped in oil. If using chicken breasts, cut them in half crosswise and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then coat with oil on all sides.

The Grilling Process

Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the barbecue sauce and brush a quarter of it onto the chicken pieces. Close the grill and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and brush the chicken every 5 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and serve immediately, passing the reserved bowl of barbecue sauce on the side.

Tips and Variations

For a Persian-inspired twist, try our chicken kabab recipe. Experiment with different spice blends and sauces to create your own unique flavor profiles. And remember, the key to success lies in the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Get Ready to Grill

With this simple recipe, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the grill master of your summer cookouts. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and indulge in the sweet, saucy goodness of perfectly grilled chicken.