Celebrate the spirit of summer with vibrant and flavorful Independence Day Chicken, a recipe that brings together patriotic hues and bold tastes! This dish features tender, marinated chicken breasts, infused with a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and paprika, for a savory base that grills to perfection. The star of the recipe is its unique blueberry glaze, a sweet-and-spicy medley of mashed blueberries, honey, and red chili flakes, brushed over the chicken to create a caramelized finish thatβs equal parts smoky and tangy. Ready in under an hour (plus marinating time) and adorned with optional fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for your July 4th barbecue feast. Pair it with summer sides like grilled corn or classic coleslaw for a festive meal that will wow your guests and capture the essence of Independence Day.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Seal or cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the mashed blueberries, red chili flakes, and honey. Heat for 5β7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Grill the chicken for 6β8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). During the last 2 minutes of grilling on each side, brush the chicken with the prepared blueberry sauce to create a caramelized glaze.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with fresh summer sides like grilled corn or a crisp coleslaw. Enjoy the festive flavors of Independence Day!
Calories |
1877 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.0 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2883 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.3 g | ||
| Protein | 218.0 g | 436% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2051 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.