There’s nothing quite like the flavors of a delicious barbecue chicken recipe to kick off the summer season. And this grilled chicken with citrus-BBQ glaze recipe is the perfect way to add a burst of flavor and tanginess to your meal. Packed with the sweetness of orange zest and juice, this recipe is not only easy to make but will also leave you craving for more.
To create this mouthwatering dish, you can either use whole chicken legs or choose to go with drumsticks or thighs. Regardless of your choice, the result will be a tender and flavorful meat that your taste buds will thank you for.
With an active time of 35 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this recipe can be whipped up fairly quickly, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights or even for entertaining guests.
To begin, gather your ingredients. You’ll need 1 cup of barbecue sauce, the zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper. Additionally, you’ll need 4 chicken leg quarters (approximately 4 pounds), 1 navel orange for garnish, and chopped parsley for that finishing touch.
In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of the sauce for basting later. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the bowl and toss until every inch of the meat is coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 325°F. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for about 5 minutes, remembering to baste the chicken with the reserved sauce during the process. Once each side is nicely caramelized, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue grilling. Baste the chicken often with the sauce to keep it juicy and packed with flavor. Keep grilling until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which usually takes another 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to discard any remaining marinade for food safety reasons.
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender meat. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. Additionally, you can garnish with slices of orange to elevate the presentation and add an extra burst of citrus.
The nutritional profile of this recipe is also worth noting. Each serving contains approximately 346 calories, 13 grams of total fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 241 milligrams of cholesterol, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of total sugars, 51 grams of protein, 342 milligrams of sodium, and 659 milligrams of potassium. Plus, you’ll get a boost of vitamin A with 126 IU to help support your overall health.
In conclusion, this grilled chicken with citrus-BBQ glaze recipe is a must-try for barbecue lovers and anyone looking to add more flavor to their meals. With its easy preparation and mouthwatering taste, it’s an ideal dish for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. So fire up that grill, get those flavors sizzling, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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