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Close up of BBQ orange chicken with orange slices on a white plate.

BBQ Orange Chicken

Deliciously sweet and tangy BBQ orange chicken is a quick and easy grilling recipe that is perfect for summer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 kg chicken thigh or breast
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 orange zest
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the smoker or gas BBQ to 130 - 140 degrees Celcius (around 275 F).
  • In medium bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
  • Place the chicken on the grill away from direct heat (skin side down). Cook for 10 mins then turn and cook for a further 10 minutes.
  • Turn the chicken again and baste with orange BBQ marinade. Continue cooking for 10 mins. Repeat the process of turning and basting the chicken with marinade every couple of turns.
  • Move the chicken to direct heat to high sear and create some nice golden brown sear marks allowing the sugars in the marinate to brown and crust. Continue to baste with marinate. Flip and sear the reverse side.
  • Remove from heat and rest for 10 mins once the chicken is done.

Video

Notes

  • The two-zone cooking method is important - the slow cooking away from direct heat means you won't burn the outside, while the high temps are necessary for any marinades or sauces with a sugar content.
  • You will know when it is done because it will have a golden dark brown crust and firm to touch with a pair of tongs in the most meatiest section of the chicken.
    The internal meat temperature should be around 70 degrees Celsius (approx 158 Fahrenheit) when it's done.
     
Keyword bbq, chicken