Grilled Chicken with Smoky Cherry Sauce is a healthy chicken breast recipe with a sweet, tangy sauce that doesn’t feel boring. You’ll use boneless skinless chicken breast, fresh or frozen cherries, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and chopped chives.
This one has that summer grill vibe, but it still makes sense for a weeknight dinner. The chicken stays lean and filling, while the cherry sauce adds a darker, smoky-sweet taste that goes well with simple sides like rice, grilled vegetables, corn, or a green salad.
It’s also a good recipe to keep around when you want something different without making dinner complicated. A blender handles the sauce, and the grill does the rest. A small bowl and measuring spoons are helpful for mixing the chicken seasoning. A blender makes the cherry sauce smooth without much work.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken with Smoky Cherry Sauce
It Uses Everyday Ingredients
This recipe uses chicken breast, cherries, vinegar, mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, and chives. Nothing complicated, but the finished dish still has a lot going on.
It’s Ready in About 30 Minutes
The total time is 31 minutes, including prep, cooking, and resting time. That makes it useful for a busy dinner.
It Has a Sweet and Smoky Sauce
The cherries and molasses add sweetness, while the smoked paprika and Dijon mustard keep the sauce from tasting flat.
It Works for Summer Grilling
This is a strong choice for cookouts, backyard dinners, or grilled chicken meal prep.
It’s High in Protein
Each serving has 25 grams of protein, so it works well as a main dish with vegetables, salad, potatoes, or rice.
Ingredient Substitutions
Fresh Cherries
Use defrosted unsweetened frozen cherries when fresh cherries aren’t available. Drain off extra liquid before blending.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Use red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar if that’s what you already have.
Molasses
Use maple syrup or honey for a sweeter, lighter sauce. The taste will be less deep than molasses.
Dijon Mustard
Use yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon gives the sauce a sharper taste.
Chives
Use sliced green onions or chopped parsley if you don’t have chives.
Chicken Breast
Use chicken tenderloins if you want smaller pieces. Adjust the cooking time as needed because they may cook faster.
Grill
Use a grill pan or broiler if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
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Grilled Chicken with Smoky Cherry Sauce
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin oil olive
- 1¼ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1¼ teaspoon smoked paprika divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast thin cutlets recommended
- ¾ cup pitted fresh cherries (or defrosted unsweetened frozen cherries)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon chives chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir until well mixed.
- Rub the oil mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Set the chicken aside.
- In a blender, add the cherries, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Dijon mustard, remaining ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until smooth. Set the smoky cherry sauce aside.
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken on the grill. Grill the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip the chicken. Grill for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Place the chicken on a serving plate. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken. Slice the chicken. Sprinkle chopped chives over the top.
Notes
Storing and Reheating
Store in Refrigerator – Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store Sauce Separately – Keep the smoky cherry sauce in a separate container when possible. This helps the chicken hold its texture. Reheat on Stovetop – Place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons water. Warm until heated through. Reheat in Microwave – Place one serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals until warm.Nutrition
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