Summer Sensation: Grilled Barbecue Chicken

I love summer time. It’s so laid back and relaxed. My kids are here and there between visiting friends and camp and swim lessons. They aren’t yelling about “Where’s my backpack – I’m going to be la-ate!?!” and mostly they leave me alone since they know if they leave me alone – I’m probably going to leave them alone, too.

The fact is, every time they shout “MOOOoooom! She’s TOUCHING me!” it reminds me  “Oh yeah! I was supposed to have Lilly clean the litter box today.” or maybe even “Oh! It’s Bab’s turn to dust the baseboards.”

Or, if I have to listen to Katie whine about how “It’s NO FAIR that she’s 15 1/2 and can’t drive and has no life and how could-we-be-so-mean to turn off her net access between midnight and 8 a.m. and would you please stop POINTING because someone driving by might see you through the window and ZOMG how embarrassing!” – Yeah, if I have to listen to that ONE MORE TIME I remember that no one has cleaned behind the toilet in at least a month.

Funny how that works, isn’t it?

I have so much more free time during the summer. I spend lots of time sitting outside with my book, my margarita and my kitty who loves to sunbathe. My kitty never complains that I’m embarrassing him.

I use my outdoor grill a lot during the summer, sometimes when it rains you’ll even see me out on the deck with an umbrella over my head flippin’ kabobs and steaks around. I make everything from potatoes to burgers to mushrooms and chicken.  Last week I made some barbecue chicken and it turned out wonderfully! I want to share the recipe with you today. I decided to use a rub under the sauce and let me tell you – I’m never going back.

I usually use a bottled sauce that I think is just marvelous. It’s not gourmet and it’s not fancy, but my kids (minus Lilly, who doesn’t eat anything), my hubby and I all love it. There is honestly no shame in bottled sauce.  Don’t pay attention to the haters.

So, use whichever bbq sauce you prefer with this recipe and you’ll be happy. If you don’t have a favorite sauce feel free to make the basic sauce recipe I’ve included at the bottom of this post.

Barbecue Chicken

Adapted from Everyday Food

1 1/2 pounds chicken, I use boneless breasts
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tsp. coarse sea salt, or kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 C Barbecue Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Sprinkle the spices on both sides on the chicken.

Heat the grill to medium heat, lightly oiling the grates of the grill. Often, I spray the grates with cooking oil spray. Just make sure you spray before you turn on the flame. Yes, I know this from experience and no, I’m not going there today.

Grill the chicken until completely done, turning as necessary to prevent burning.

During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with sauce and turn over. Brush the other side of the chicken and allow the chicken to cook for another 3-4 minutes before removing from the grill.

Recipe: Grilled Barbecue Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken, I use boneless breasts
• vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tsp. coarse sea salt, or kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1 C Barbecue Sauce

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper.
2. Sprinkle the spices on both sides on the chicken.
3. Heat the grill to medium heat, lightly oiling the grates of the grill. Grill the chicken until completely done, turning as necessary to prevent burning.
4. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with sauce and turn over. Brush the other side of the chicken and allow the chicken to cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Recipe: Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce is thickened.
3. Let cool before using. Store leftovers in the fridge.

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