Deliciously Smoky Chicken Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. That’s why I developed this Lazy Gal’s Smoky Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something tasty and satisfying, but don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is called “lazy gal” for a reason: it requires minimal effort on your part, yet yields fantastic results. You won’t believe how quickly you can whip up a batch of tender, smoky chicken breasts that everyone will love. And with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.
So if you’re looking for a mouth-watering meal that won’t keep you chained to the stove, look no further than Lazy Gal’s Smoky Chicken Recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a lazy gal (or guy) who loves gourmet chicken recipes but doesn’t want to put in too much effort? Then this lazy gal smoky chicken recipe is perfect for you! This is the ultimate “set it and forget it” recipe that will have you feeling like a gourmet chef with minimal effort.
The smoky flavor of the chicken is achieved by using a few simple ingredients such as garlic, salt, honey, and barbecue sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory taste that is both sweet and tangy. In addition to being absolutely delicious, this recipe is also incredibly versatile.
You can enjoy this smoky chicken on its own or paired with a variety of sides such as pasta sauce, perogies, or even Mexican cornbread. It’s perfect for meal prep as well; use it in dishes like chicken chili, pulled chicken, or even chicken enchiladas. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe details calories and nutrition information too, so you can indulge in this flavorful meal without feeling guilty. And if you’re always on-the-go and prefer to make meals ahead or store leftovers for later, we’ve got tips for perfect results that will ensure your smoky chicken remains fresh and tasty.
So why not try this lazy gal smoky chicken recipe today? I would rather see you enjoying this gourmet dish from the comfort of your own home than settling for canned chicken or boring baked chicken nuggets. Trust me, once you take a bite of this flavorful masterpiece, you’ll never look back!
Ingredient List
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of the ingredients you need. For this lazy gal smoky chicken recipe, you won’t need a lot of fancy items. In fact, this dish is perfect for when you want to whip up something impressive with minimal effort. Here is what you will need:
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut in half
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- Flour for coating
Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tea bag
- ½ tbsp. parsley flakes
Vegetables and Garnish
- A handful of baby carrots
As you can see, the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward and affordable. You may have many of these items already in your pantry or fridge! However, don’t let their simplicity fool you; this smoky chicken recipe is packed with flavor and guaranteed to please a crowd.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get down to cooking up some delicious Smoky Chicken. Follow these easy steps, and in no time, you’ll have a mouthwatering, lip-smacking delight that’ll satisfy any food cravings.
Ingredients
Before we get started with the cooking, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients:
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ cup of your favorite bbq sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Parsley flakes for garnish
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
First things first, let’s prepare our chicken. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic salt and brush on a layer of honey. Let it sit for about ten minutes so the flavors can blend.
Step 2: Mixing Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together bbq sauce and flour. This will help thicken up the sauce as it heats up on the grill.
Step 3: Cooking Time!
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, carefully add the chicken breasts to the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked through.
When there are only a couple of minutes left for cooking, brush on the bbq-flour mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve!
Once fully cooked, transfer the Smoky Chicken into a serving dish and garnish it with parsley flakes. Let it cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Congratulations! You’ve just cooked up a fantastic plate of smoky chicken in no time at all!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few variations you can try with this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
– Vegetarian Version: If you prefer to skip the meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with tofu or seitan. Use a flavorful vegetable broth instead of water for added depth. You can also add your favorite vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers and peas for texture.
– Spicier Version: This is a smoky chicken recipe, but if you want to add a little heat to it, you can add some jalapenos, chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you’re not sure how much heat you like, start with a little and taste as you go. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce instead of regular barbecue sauce.
– Healthier Version: To make this healthier, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and opt for a low-sugar barbecue sauce or make your own sauce using tomato paste and spices. You could also replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
– Gluten-free Version: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and check that the barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
These are just a few ideas – feel free to experiment and find your own variations that work for your tastes and dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have cooked up this lazy gal’s smoky chicken recipe, you will need to pair it with the right sides and beverages to complete your meal. With its savory and smoky flavor, this chicken recipe pairs well with fresh vegetables like carrots or a light green salad. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside some pasta sauce with al dente pasta to soak up all the delicious smoky sauce.
For those who prefer something with a bit more kick, consider adding a jerk chicken recipe alongside this one. The spiciness of the dish will complement the smoky flavor of the chicken perfectly, while pickled eggs would add an extra tang to your palate.
If you are looking for something that is sweeter and milder in taste, go for a side of Mexican cornbread. This soft and fluffy bread provides a perfect contrast against the smokiness of the chicken, while its sweetness perfectly complements the barbecue sauce.
As for beverages, try serving iced tea or lemonade. These refreshing drinks provide a great balance to the rich and satisfying flavors of the chicken recipe. If you prefer something alcoholic, consider pairing it with an IPA beer or a bold red wine such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key is to keep it simple and light so that your guests can savor every bite of your delectable creation. With these serving and pairing options, your lazy gal’s smoky chicken recipe will be a hit at any outdoor gathering or indoor dinner party!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a lazy gal, I understand the importance of making meals ahead of time in order to save time and energy later on. Luckily, this smoky chicken recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make it up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to devour it.
To reheat, simply place it on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Please remember not to overcrowd the baking sheet as doing so affects the even reheating of the chicken.
If you want to freeze this dish, you can transfer it into an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using the same instructions as above.
Overall, this recipe is incredibly versatile – great for leftovers, meal prep or freezing for later meals.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking, the smallest things can make a big difference in the final outcome. Here are some tips for achieving perfect results with Lazy Gal’s Smoky Chicken recipe:
Firstly, make sure to season your chicken breasts generously with garlic salt and honey. This will not only give them an incredible depth of flavor but will also help keep the meat moist during cooking.
Secondly, when adding flour to the barbecue sauce mixture, be sure to whisk it in gradually to avoid lumps forming. This will ensure a smooth and thick sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Thirdly, if you don’t have a smoker or smoker oven like SmokinTex, try using tea leaves or wood chips wrapped in foil instead to give your chicken a smoky taste. Just place them on top of the charcoal before you start grilling.
Fourthly, if you prefer skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute them for boneless ones in this recipe. However, the skin helps to seal in moisture and flavor so consider keeping it on if possible.
Lastly, don’t overcook your chicken! It’s better to err on the side of caution and check the internal temperature frequently to ensure that it is cooked all the way through without drying out. You can also use an instant-read meat thermometer for accurate results.
By following these tips and paying attention to the details, you’re sure to impress your guests with Lazy Gal’s Smoky Chicken recipe – whether you’re a lazy gal or a gourmet chef at heart!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Lazy Gal’s Smoky Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish. With its simple ingredient list and quick preparation time, this recipe is perfect for lazy gourmets or anyone who wants to impress their dinner guests without all the fuss.
Whether you’re in the mood for smoky pulled chicken, jerk chicken, or even chicken enchiladas, this recipe has got you covered. And if you’re looking to mix things up, the substitution and variation options allow you to get creative with your cooking.
So what are you waiting for? Get out those boneless chicken breasts and start cooking up a storm. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you for it!
Lazy Gal’s Smoky Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips (or thighs)
- 1 -2 teaspoon lapsang souchong tea
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 2 carrots, diced
Instructions
- Boil 3 cups of water, use one cup to steep the tea for 5 minutes.
- Add the tea (with the leaves) to a deep skillet with the remaining 2 cups of water. Add parsley, garlic salt, honey, barbecue sauce, and flour to skillet and turn heat on medium.
- Add chicken and diced carrots.
- Cover and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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!