Finger-Lickin’ Apple Juice Butt Chicken Recipe
Picture this: It’s summertime, and you’re having friends over for a backyard cookout. The grill is fired up, and your guests are eagerly waiting for something mouth-watering to hit their plates. But what should we make that’s different from the usual burgers and hot dogs? Look no further than my Apple Juice Butt Chicken Recipe.
Now, I know what some of you may be thinking – “Butt chicken? Does that sound appealing?” Trust me when I say that name doesn’t do this dish justice. The combination of apple juice, orange zest, and herbs will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s easy to make, even for those who might not consider themselves skilled chefs.
So let me walk you through the recipe step by step. By the end, you’ll have an impressive and delicious meal that will leave your guests blown away. Get ready to impress at your next backyard gathering with my Apple Juice Butt Chicken Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of mouthwatering, tender and juicy grilled chicken recipes, then get ready to be blown away by my Apple Juice Butt Chicken Recipe. This chicken recipe is the perfect combination of bold flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Using high-quality ingredients like apple juice and orange zest, you’ll create a marinade that will add an irresistible sweetness to the chicken meat. The rosemary and thyme leaves will add the needed depth of flavor while the bay leaf complements by adding earthy aromas. Poultry seasoning ensures a perfectly seasoned meat while salt and pepper add just the right amount of savory flavor.
Grilling this marinated chicken on your Big Green Egg or any grill of your choice will give it a smoky flavor that meshes perfectly with its sweet and spicy blend. The result is an absolutely delicious Apple Juice Butt Chicken that will be the center of attention at your dinner table.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions with friends and family, thanksgiving or even an intimate dinner for two. It’s also easy to follow and beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be an experienced chef to pull this one off.
Trust me when I say this – this Apple Juice Butt Chicken recipe will quickly become one of your go-to chicken recipes. Give it a try for yourself, and you’ll see why everyone loves it!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of ingredients to make this apple juice butt chicken recipe your guests won’t forget. All of the listed items are easy to find in your local grocery store, so there’s no need to go out of your way for dinner ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) broiler-fryer chicken
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 2 cups apple juice for grilled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Besides these ingredients, you will also need olive oil and a deep pan. Keep reading to know how to use these ingredients to create the perfect meal.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your entire chicken with a mix of poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, orange zest, and a bay leaf. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken and let it sit for at least an hour or even overnight for better flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Juice Butt Chicken
Preheat your big green egg to 375°F or you can use an oven if that is what is available. Prepare your pan by heating a deep pan in medium heat with some extra virgin olive oil added.
Next, add the chicken into the pan and sprinkle some brown sugar to help get that crispy skin. Once both sides are brown, add 1 1/2 cups of apple juice to the pan and let the chicken cook for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Add More Flavor with Sauce
For a more flavorful sauce, mix together 1/2 cup of apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Brush it on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Take out from heat and serve with some fresh rosemary sprigs and thinly sliced oranges as a garnish. The meat should be juicy, tender, full of aromas, and perfect to wow your guests.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix it up a bit with this recipe? No worries, I got you covered. Here are some substitutions and variations that will help you switch things up and add some variety to your dinner ingredients.
First of all, if you don’t have apple juice on hand, you can use apple cider instead. It has a similar sweet taste and will work well in the recipe. Just make sure you get the unfiltered kind for the best flavor.
Another fun way to change this recipe up is to use it for grilled chicken instead of roasted chicken. Just marinate your chicken in the apple juice mixture for at least an hour before grilling it on your Big Green Egg or other grill. The juice will add a little extra sweetness and char to your chicken.
If you’re looking to add some complexity to the flavors, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar soy sauce mixture just before serving. It’ll give your dish a savory twist that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds.
Looking to switch up what part of the chicken you cook with? Try using chicken breasts instead of an entire chicken for a lighter option. You can also use this marinade recipe for chicken legs or any other cut of chicken if that’s what’s available in your fridge.
No matter which way you go with these substitutions and variations, your Apple Juice Butt Chicken Recipe is sure to come out perfectly succulent and delicious.
Serving and Pairing
Once your juicy apple juice butt chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! I recommend carving the chicken into equal pieces, so you can serve each of your guests some delicious, flavorful meat. Now, the best part: pairing your chicken with an array of mouth-watering sides.
I love serving my apple juice butt chicken with some roasted vegetables on the side. Roasted carrots, potatoes and onions all complement the flavors in this dish perfectly. Additionally, a light green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken. For an added crunch, consider serving some toasted bread or dinner rolls with butter on the side.
Now for the drinks – this apple juice chicken recipe pairs well with a range of beverages. I suggest serving a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance out the bold flavors of the dish. If you’re in for something more decadent, try pairing with a glass of hard cider, preferably made from fresh apples! Alternatively, a cold beer or light ale is always a great choice when your guests are looking for something more laid-back.
There you have it – a complete menu that will make your apple juice butt chicken recipe shine at any dinner party. The right combination of sides and drinks can make all the difference in turning a good meal into an unforgettable dining experience!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to serve this apple juice butt chicken recipe for a dinner party or special occasion, you’ll be glad to know that it’s easy to make ahead of time. You can prepare the marinade and marinate the entire chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Once the chicken is ready to cook, you can seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to grill.
When it comes to storing any leftovers, be sure to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Cooked chicken will last for up to four days when properly stored.
If you need to reheat the chicken, you have two options: oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and place in an oven-safe dish with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap, leaving one corner slightly open for steam to escape. Microwave on high for one minute per piece of chicken, or until heated through.
And that’s all there is to it! With these easy make-ahead, storing and reheating tips for this delicious apple juice butt chicken recipe, you can enjoy its juicy and flavorful taste anytime with minimal effort.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a juicy and delicious chicken is not only about following the recipe but also to pay attention to some tips that will help you to achieve perfect results. Here are some tips that I’ve learned during my experience cooking this apple juice butt chicken recipe.
First, it’s important to marinate the entire chicken with the seasoning mixture for at least 12 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender. Make sure to massage the seasoning all over the chicken for an even distribution.
Second, when cooking the chicken, it’s crucial to use a deep pan over medium heat. This will help to cook the chicken evenly, avoiding any burnt or raw spots. Also, sprinkle some salt and pepper on the meat while cooking to add extra flavor.
Using the best apple juice is also essential for this recipe. I recommend using fresh apple juice or apple cider without any added sugar or preservatives. The apple juice will give a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory poultry seasoning.
Another tip is to use a big green egg or grill to cook this chicken recipe. You can add some rosemary or thyme leaves on top of the charcoal or wood chips for extra smoky flavor. However, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can still achieve great results by baking it in the oven.
For those who prefer boneless chicken breasts, this recipe can be adapted by using them instead of an entire chicken. Simply marinate them with the same seasoning mixture and cook them on a hot frying pan until golden brown and cooked through.
Lastly, when serving this delicious apple juice butt chicken, add some orange slices as a garnish on top of it. The citrus aroma paired with the herbaceous chicken is absolutely delightful.
Following these tips will undoubtedly take your apple juice butt chicken recipe to another level of flavor perfection.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, the Apple Juice Butt Chicken recipe is one of the best dishes to wow your guests at any dinner party or gathering. With its unique blend of ingredients such as apple juice, orange zest, and rosemary, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
It is important to note that this recipe is not just delicious but also very easy to make. By following the instructions closely and marinating the entire chicken in apple juice, you will end up with a perfectly cooked chicken that is juicy and packed full of flavor.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dish that is simple yet impressive, the Apple Juice Butt Chicken recipe should be at the top of your list. So why not give it a try? I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!
Apple Juice Butt Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken
- 16 ounces apple juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 orange
- extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Take a beer or soft drink can and drink it. Wash and fill with 8 ounces of the applejuice.
- Combine all the spices except the bay leaf and put half of the spices in the can, plus the bay leaf. Save the rest of the spices for basting.
- Take a large pan 9X13 is fine, and pour 1 cup of applejuice in pan. Slice up an orange and put in pan also.
- Place chicken on can, then in the pan and put on the grill. If using a gas grill, heat the grill to 350 and then turn the middle burner off, so the chicken will not burn.
- Baste the chicken every half hour with extra virgen olive oil and the rest of the spice mix.
- Chicken will be done in 2 hours or until tempreture reaches 165 degrees.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!