If you’re looking for a dish that brings together the sweet, tangy charm of fresh apples with the smoky richness of classic barbecue, then the Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe is calling your name. This mouthwatering meal combines tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a delightful blend of apple juice, brown sugar, and smoky BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as perfect for a family dinner as it is for weekend gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you try this Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of your most requested dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial part in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible sear that only grilling can achieve.
- Apple juice: Provides natural sweetness and a subtle fruity tang that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth, helping the marinade caramelize on the grill for that golden crust.
- BBQ sauce: Brings smoky, tangy flavors that complement the apple notes perfectly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean, tender stars of the dish, ideal for quick grilling and absorbing the marinade.
How to Make Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the apple juice, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce until the sugar dissolves completely. This simple but flavorful marinade is what makes the Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe stand out, marrying sweet and smoky notes in every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large gallon-sized ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak up all those delicious flavors while staying moist and tender.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on a preheated grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. This ensures juicy, fully cooked meat with those lovely char marks you crave in any grilled dish.
Step 4: Add a Final Touch
If you like an extra punch of flavor and a shiny finish, brush the chicken on both sides with additional BBQ sauce just before taking it off the grill. This finishing step enhances the taste and gives the chicken a beautiful, sticky glaze.
How to Serve Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the plate, try topping the grilled chicken with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Thin slices of crisp apple added on top can echo the apple flavor in the marinade and add a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
This Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides such as grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. Roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa salad can also balance the sweet and smoky flavors brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of lettuce with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and apple slices on the side to create a refreshing grilled chicken salad. Or pack the grilled chicken into soft buns with some crisp slaw for delicious sandwiches everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe, store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It stays juicy and flavorful, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken will keep its quality for up to 2 months, making it a handy meal to enjoy later when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 325ºF for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the juiciness and prevent drying out, though it works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully with this marinade. They tend to be juicier and offer a richer flavor; just adjust the grilling time since thighs often take a little longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have apple juice?
If apple juice isn’t on hand, pear juice or even a diluted apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes. The goal is to add a mild sweetness and acidity to tenderize the chicken without overpowering the bbq flavors.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate between 2 to 4 hours, but you can leave it overnight if you want a deeper infusion of flavor. Just make sure to keep the chicken refrigerated during the marinating process.
Is this recipe suitable for a charcoal grill?
Yes! The Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe is perfect for charcoal grills, which really enhance the smoky flavors. Just make sure you keep the grill at medium heat to avoid burning the sugar in the marinade before the chicken cooks through.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, as some sauces contain gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of apple sweetness and classic BBQ flavor in this Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. Once you grill this up, I’m confident it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it did in mine!
Print
Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe combines the sweetness of apple juice and brown sugar with tangy BBQ sauce to create a flavorful marinade. The chicken breasts are marinated for several hours to absorb the rich flavors, then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup apple juice
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple juice, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size ziplock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or for best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Brush with BBQ sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken on both sides with additional BBQ sauce if desired, to enhance the flavor and create a glossy finish. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For more tender chicken, marinate overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Can be adapted for a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling is unavailable.
