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Strawberry BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 79 reviews

Strawberry BBQ Chicken is a delightful twist on classic BBQ, featuring a homemade strawberry-based barbecue sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. Tender grilled chicken thighs are basted with this flavorful sauce and topped with a creamy avocado and Greek yogurt drizzle, garnished with fresh basil for a dish that beautifully balances fruity, smoky, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Strawberry BBQ Sauce

  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, micro-grated or finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, roughly chopped

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Avocado Sauce

  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced

Garnish

  • Additional minced fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Roast Strawberries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, curling up the edges to catch the liquids. Spread the hulled and halved strawberries evenly on the pan and roast for 15-20 minutes, until they become fragrant, soft, and caramelized. Remove from oven and allow cooling slightly.
  2. Make the Strawberry BBQ Sauce: Transfer the roasted strawberries to a medium saucepan. Add ketchup, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, light brown sugar, water, freshly cracked white pepper, fine sea salt, and roughly chopped basil. Stir well to combine, then simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a food processor. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy in texture. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken thighs on indirect heat of the grill (not directly over the flames). Cook for approximately 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Begin basting lightly with the strawberry BBQ sauce every 3 minutes, while turning twice during this time.
  6. Finish on Direct Heat: Transfer chicken thighs to direct heat. Baste one more time with the sauce and cook briefly until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked. Cooking times may vary depending on chicken size.
  7. Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes to preserve juiciness.
  8. Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a small food processor, blend the ripe avocado, plain Greek yogurt, and minced fresh basil until smooth. Alternatively, mash the avocado with a fork and mix thoroughly with the yogurt and basil.
  9. Plate and Serve: Pour the avocado sauce into an airtight plastic bag, snip a small corner, and drizzle over the plated chicken thighs. Garnish with additional minced basil if desired.
  10. Enjoy and Share: Serve your Strawberry BBQ Chicken hot and enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors. Don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts on this unique BBQ twist!

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  • White balsamic vinegar adds a mild tang but can be substituted with regular balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar according to your preference.
  • If you do not have a grill, the chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven, though grilling adds the best smoky flavor.
  • The avocado sauce can be prepared ahead and stored refrigerated for up to one day.
  • Using fresh basil is key for brightness in both the BBQ sauce and avocado drizzle; dried basil will not provide the same flavor.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/strawberry-bbq-chicken-recipe/