Sunday is the day to gather around the grill and enjoy the best of summer’s bounty. What better way to do that than with a Cherry BBQ Sauce that’s bursting with flavour, paired with the freshest grilled chicken? This delightful combination makes for a perfect family meal, closing our cherry week on a deliciously high note.
This BBQ Sauce is a unique fusion of sweet, tart, smoky, and tangy flavours. The natural sweetness of Okanagan cherries balances the acidity and heat, making it a versatile and delectable sauce.
Cherry BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh Okanagan cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Grilled Chicken Ingredients:
- 6-8 Chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Other seasonings as desired, I used nigella, turmeric, Cumin, and basil.
Instructions:
- Make the Cherry BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients. Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and sauce thickens. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the chicken: toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and thread onto skewers if desired.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until charred and tender. When the chicken is 3/4 cooked begin brushing the cherry bbq sauce on. Allow it to finish cooking while brushing on 2-3 layers of sauce. Allow it to stick to the chicken between brushing.
- Serve with Cherry BBQ Sauce: Plate the grilled chicken and serve with a generous helping of Cherry BBQ Sauce.
- Enjoy the Flavour Explosion: Dive into the rich and tangy flavours that the Cherry BBQ Sauce brings to the fresh grilled chicken. Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
What a delicious week it has been. From the delicious cherry salads to the sultry cherry smoothie bowls this week has covered a wide range of delicious cherry creations that will help you savour every delicious drop of summer. Be sure to stash a few bags of (washed, peeled, and pitted) cherries in the freezer to enjoy these recipes this winter.
I want to thank you for joining me! It’s truly been a pleasure sharing these recipes with flavours of my childhood. 🍒
– Chef Sarah
