Cherry Bomb Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings:

• 1 quart cold water
• cup white sugar
• cup kosher salt
• 1 (4-pound) whole chicken, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3 habanero peppers, seeded
• 4 cloves garlic
• teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• teaspoon dried thyme
• teaspoon ground cumin
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons prepared Thai sweet chili sauce

Directions

Step 1: Combine water, sugar, and kosher salt in a saucepan over low heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until sugar and salt dissolve. Set the mixture aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Score the skin sides of the chicken pieces 2 to 3 times, making cuts about 1-inch deep. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a lidded .

Step 3: In a blender, combine cherry tomatoes, habanero peppers, garlic, and allspice with the cooled sugar and salt mixture. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Pour the tomato brine over the chicken pieces, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover the bowl or and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.

Step 5: Once the brining time is complete, remove the chicken pieces from the brine, shaking off any excess liquid. Transfer the chicken to a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels and pat dry with additional paper towels. Discard the remaining brine.

Step 6: Preheat your outdoor grill to high, indirect heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, thyme, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Brush this mixture generously onto the chicken pieces.

Step 8: Place the chicken on the preheated grill, skin sides down, and cook over direct heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces, then move them to indirect heat and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is well-browned and the meat is no longer pink in the center. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165F (74C), near but not touching the bone.

Step 9: Once the chicken is fully cooked, brush it with the Thai sweet chili sauce. Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Editor's Note:

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the brine ingredients. The actual amount of the brine consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 490
• Total Fat: 25g (32% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (34% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 129mg (43% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 5252mg (228% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 23g (8% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 19g
• Protein: 42g (83% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 12mg (13% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 40mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 500mg (11% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This Cherry Bomb Chicken recipe is not just about great flavorit's a celebration of bold ingredients that combine sweet, spicy, and savory elements in a way that will thrill your taste buds. Here's a deeper look into the history, regional twists, and fascinating facts surrounding this exciting dish.

History of the Cherry Bomb Chicken

The Cherry Bomb Chicken is a modern take on the classic brined chicken, featuring a unique infusion of heat from habanero peppers and sweetness from ripe cherry tomatoes. This dish likely emerged from the trend of combining bold, contrasting flavors in American barbecue. The concept of brining chicken for juiciness and enhanced flavor has ancient roots, but it was only in recent decades that cooks began experimenting with fruit-based brines like cherry tomatoes. The use of habaneros adds a fiery punch, turning this recipe into a "bomb" of flavor, which likely inspired its fun and fiery name.

Regional Variations

While Cherry Bomb Chicken can be enjoyed anywhere, it has strong ties to American regional barbecue traditions, particularly those from the Southwest and Southern states, where bold flavors and grilling techniques are staples. In these regions, grilling over wood or charcoal is a prized cooking method, and adding a spicy element is a common approach. The use of habanero peppers brings a touch of heat reminiscent of many Southwestern dishes, where chili peppers reign supreme. The cherry brine provides a unique twist that makes this dish stand out from other grilled chicken recipes.

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes?

Unlike many other grilled chicken recipes that rely on dry rubs or simple marinades, the Cherry Bomb Chicken uses a brine made from fresh cherry tomatoes, habanero peppers, and garlic, which infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor. The addition of Thai sweet chili sauce adds a layer of sweetness and complexity, which differentiates it from more straightforward spicy grilled chicken dishes. Other similar recipes might use a simple vinegar-based marinade or a dry rub, but the combination of sweet and spicy elements in this recipe creates a truly unique experience for the palate.

Where Is Cherry Bomb Chicken Typically Served?

Cherry Bomb Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings, from casual family dinners to summer barbecues. It is especially popular for outdoor gatherings and cookouts, where grilling is the highlight. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or a refreshing coleslaw. Its bold flavors also make it a great choice for game day parties or festive gatherings, where hearty and flavorful food is always a hit. Whether grilled over an open flame or baked in the oven, this dish brings a crowd-pleasing appeal that fits into any casual celebration.

Interesting Facts About Cherry Bomb Chicken

• Habaneros Are Known for Their Heat: Habanero peppers are one of the hottest peppers in the world, measuring between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville Heat Units. Despite the fiery reputation, when used in moderation, they contribute a delicious and complex flavor to dishes like Cherry Bomb Chicken.
• Brining for Juiciness: Brining is a technique that involves soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking. It helps to retain moisture, resulting in juicy and tender chicken. The addition of sugar and spices in the brine for this recipe creates a rich, balanced flavor profile.
• A Sweet Twist: While most spicy chicken recipes focus on the heat, the use of cherry tomatoes in this recipe adds a surprising sweetness that counterbalances the spiciness of the habaneros, creating a well-rounded flavor.
• Grilling Techniques: The key to perfect Cherry Bomb Chicken is mastering the grill. Cooking the chicken over indirect heat ensures that it stays moist on the inside while developing a crispy, golden exterior.

FAQ about Cherry Bomb Chicken Recipe

Comments