Grilled Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
This grilled chicken with blueberry barbecue sauce is a delightful mix of savory and sweet, perfect for a summer cookout. The vibrant berry-licious sauce adds a unique twist, making this dish a standout on any table.
BBQ Chicken with a Twist
Alright folks, here’s the deal: Grilled chicken is always a winner, but grilled chicken slathered in a homemade blueberry BBQ sauce? Next. Level.
This isn’t your average BBQ sauce—it’s got the sweet burst of fresh blueberries, a little smoky depth from smoked paprika, and that perfect tangy balance from apple cider vinegar. It’s everything you didn’t know your grilled chicken needed.
Perfect for a lazy summer evening or a weekend gathering, this blueberry BBQ chicken recipe is simple, a little fancy, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to shake up your grill game? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love It
Complete the menu: try pairing this blueberry BBQ chicken with our grilled summer squash and zucchini with lemon basil drizzle and our creamy lemon risotto. Fresh, tangy, and seriously delicious—this combo is everything your summer dinner table needs!
Looking for more simple yet elegant dinner ideas? Be sure to try our chicken and potatoes with cider cream sauce, our oven-baked pesto crusted salmon, our lemon herb-crusted cod, and our quick pesto butter salmon.
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Key Ingredients
Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they cook quickly and stay tender on the grill.
Fresh Blueberries: Use ripe, in-season blueberries for the best sweetness and color in the sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor without the heat; perfect for depth in the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a mild tang—don’t skip it!
Molasses: Gives the sauce a rich, deep flavor and a beautiful dark color.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce for that perfect BBQ glaze.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Blueberries
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is all about blueberries. Our region’s rich soil, mild temps, and steady rainfall produce some of the best blueberries around, peaking from mid-June through August.
Whether picked fresh from a local farm or bought at a farmer’s market, these juicy berries are packed with flavor, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
For more on their benefits and growing tips, visit Oregon Blueberry and Washington Blueberries. And if you’re up for a day of picking, check out the best U-Pick farms in Washington.
Recipe Roadmap with Images
1
Prep the Chicken
Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush chicken with olive oil, season with spices, and set aside.
2
Make the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened, then blend until smooth.
3
Grill The Chicken
Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with sauce.
4
Serve
Brush chicken with a final layer of sauce, let rest, and serve with extra sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and ensure a good sear on the grill.
- Control the Heat: Keep the grill at medium-high to avoid burning the sauce. If it flares up, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill.
- Baste for Flavor: Baste the chicken frequently with the blueberry BBQ sauce during grilling to build up layers of flavor and create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: Prepare the blueberry BBQ sauce in advance and refrigerate. It allows the flavors to meld, and it makes the grilling process quicker and smoother.
Favorite Sides for Serving
Pair your Grilled Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce with some of our favorite go-to summer sides. Whether you’re into fresh, vibrant salads or flavorful side dishes, these recipes will take your meal up a notch and delight your guests.
Salads
- Northwest Summer Berry Salad: A mix of fresh local berries, crisp greens, and a honey citrus vinaigrette. This salad brings a burst of seasonal sweetness that complements the rich, tangy flavors of the blueberry BBQ sauce.
- Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese: Crisp green beans tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, sprinkled with creamy goat cheese, and finished with a touch of fresh basil. The bright lemon and creamy cheese balance the sweet and smoky flavors of the blueberry BBQ chicken.
- Charred Corn Salad: Sweet grilled corn, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro in a fresh lime vinaigrette. This vibrant side adds a smoky, tangy, and creamy contrast to the juicy grilled chicken.
Side Dishes
- Creamy Lemon Risotto: This rich and velvety risotto, infused with fresh lemon zest, offers a luxurious, tangy contrast to the grilled chicken. The creaminess of the risotto perfectly complements the texture and flavor of the blueberry BBQ sauce.
- Grilled Squash and Zucchini: Summer squash and zucchini grilled tender and topped with a lemon basil drizzle is a light, refreshing side that pairs perfectly with blueberry BBQ chicken. Bright, zesty, and ideal for your summer BBQ!
- Buttered New Potatoes with Dill: Tender new potatoes tossed in butter, lemon, and fresh dill. Their simple, buttery flavor complements the complex notes of the blueberry BBQ sauce without overwhelming the dish.
These side dishes will round out your summer meal, showcasing the fresh, seasonal flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or a cozy dinner, these recipes will impress and satisfy.
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Blueberry BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- immersion blender or regular blender
- grill
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Blueberry BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set aside while you prepare the barbecue sauce.
Make the Blueberry BBQ Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the blueberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Cover with a splatter screen to cover the sauce to prevent any splatter.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to blend the sauce until smooth.
Grill the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, basting the chicken with the blueberry BBQ sauce every few minutes to build layers of flavor.
- Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the grill, brush it one last time with the blueberry BBQ sauce for an extra boost of flavor, and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with extra blueberry BBQ sauce on the side.
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Baste Frequently: Brushing the chicken with sauce while grilling adds depth and a delicious, sticky finish.
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Make More Sauce: This sauce is versatile! Make extra to use on other dishes or as a dipping sauce.
Leftovers & Storage
- Chicken: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
- BBQ Sauce: Refrigerate extra sauce in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Perfect for other meals or as a sandwich spread.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
