An enticing image featuring smoky mesquite grilled chicken, with grill marks visible, garnished with fresh herbs and served on a wooden platter.

Smoky Mesquite Grilled Chicken Your New Favorite BBQ Staple

ByBrian Bateman May 22, 2023November 12, 2023

Information and History: Mesquite, a type of wood native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, has been used for centuries for cooking and grilling due to its distinctive smoky flavor. Grilling chicken over mesquite imparts a unique, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile that has become synonymous with Southwestern barbecue cuisine.

Ingredients and Amounts for Mesquite Grilled Chicken:

4 boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
Mesquite marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mesquite seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Preparing and Cooking Mesquite Grilled Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Marinate the chicken in the mesquite marinade for at least 2 hours.
Grill the chicken over medium heat until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Mesquite Grilled Chicken:

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, mesquite seasoning, smoked paprika, and brown sugar to prepare the mesquite marinade.
Marinate the chicken in this mixture, ensuring it’s well coated, for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Grill the chicken over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), marking the doneness of chicken as per the FDA’s guidelines.

Creating the Perfect Flavor with Tips and Variations:

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature without being overcooked.
Experiment with adding other spices such as cumin or chili powder to the marinade.
Substitute the apple cider vinegar with lime juice for a citrusy tang.

Health Benefits of Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and provides vital nutrients, such as Vitamin B6, Niacin, and Selenium. It’s also low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions:

Garnish the grilled chicken with a sprig of fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad to balance the smoky flavors.
Offer a spicy BBQ sauce or a tangy salsa on the side for extra flavor.
Pair with a refreshing iced tea or a chilled beer for the perfect summer meal.

Brian Bateman

Senior Editor at CyrusRamsey.com A seasoned journalist and an enthusiastic food lover, Brian Bateman serves as the Senior Editor for CyrusRamsey.com, where he marries his passion for storytelling with his love for all things culinary.

Brian brings with him a wealth of experience in the digital publishing industry and an insatiable appetite for uncovering the world's best dining experiences.

When he isn't tasting his way around the globe or writing about it, Brian enjoys honing his cooking skills and experimenting with international cuisine in his home kitchen. He firmly believes that understanding the process of creating a dish enhances the experience of consuming it.

In addition to his adventures in journalism and culinary exploits, Brian is also a skilled website developer and a passionate community organizer. A self-taught coder, he enjoys building and optimizing websites in his spare time, always keen to learn about the latest digital trends.

This interest extends to social media, where he runs the largest food-centric group in Wisconsin: Milwaukee Foodie. https://www.facebook.com/groups/milwaukeefoodie boasts over 140,000 members, is a lively platform where fellow food enthusiasts from Milwaukee and beyond share their culinary discoveries, restaurant recommendations, and mouthwatering recipes.

It's a testament to Brian's commitment to fostering a vibrant, interactive foodie community that extends beyond the virtual pages of CyrusRamsey.com, echoing his love for food and people in the heart of America's Dairyland.