As the sun beats down and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like the aroma of grilled food wafting through the air. And when it comes to summer grilling, this homemade sweet and spicy Watermelon Glaze grilled chicken recipe is an absolute game - changer. It combines the freshness of summer watermelon with a tantalizing blend of spices, creating a dish that is both delicious and perfect for any summer gathering.
Let's start with the star of the show - the Watermelon Glaze. To make this glaze, you'll need a few simple ingredients. First, take a ripe watermelon. Watermelon is not only a refreshing fruit but also adds a natural sweetness to the glaze. Cut the watermelon into chunks and blend it until smooth. You can use a blender or a food processor for this step. Once it's pureed, strain the mixture through a fine - mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp. This will give you a smooth and clean base for the glaze.
Next, it's time to add the spicy kick. You can use a variety of spices depending on your taste preferences. Chili powder is a classic choice as it adds a nice heat. Cayenne pepper can also be used for an extra spicy punch. Additionally, a little bit of paprika adds a smoky flavor. Combine these spices with the watermelon puree and mix well. You can adjust the amount of spices according to how spicy you like your food. For a sweeter glaze, you can add a touch of honey or brown sugar. This will balance out the spiciness and give the glaze a rich, caramel - like flavor.
Now that the glaze is ready, it's time to prepare the chicken. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts of chicken are easy to cook on the grill and absorb the flavors of the glaze well. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before placing it on the grill. Pre - heat your grill to medium - high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside.
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the grates. Grill the chicken for about 5 - 7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You can tell that the chicken is almost done when it starts to turn white in the center and is no longer pink. This is the perfect time to brush on the Watermelon Glaze. Use a basting brush to generously coat the chicken with the glaze. The heat from the grill will help the glaze caramelize and create a sticky, delicious crust on the chicken.
Continue grilling the chicken for a few more minutes after applying the glaze. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the glaze to set. Keep a close eye on the chicken as the glaze can burn easily. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze has a beautiful, shiny finish, it's ready to be taken off the grill.
Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite side dishes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great option as it provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken. You can also serve it with some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. These vegetables add color and nutrients to the meal.
For a more complete summer meal, you can even make a watermelon salad to go along with the chicken. Combine watermelon cubes with feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This salad is not only delicious but also complements the flavors of the Watermelon Glaze grilled chicken perfectly.
In conclusion, this homemade sweet and spicy Watermelon Glaze grilled chicken recipe is a must - try for the summer. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit at any barbecue or summer gathering. So fire up the grill, make the glaze, and enjoy this delicious summer treat with your friends and family.