There’s truly nothing quite like bringing our family together with a backyard BBQ. I’ve got a delicious plan in mind: Traeger Chicken Breast paired with savory veggie kebabs. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable gathering under the open sky, enjoying good food and even better company.
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Traeger chicken breast recipe
Traeger chicken breast is cooked using a Traeger grill, which is a type of pellet grill that uses wood pellets to generate smoke and heat. It is a delicious and easy way to grill lean, juicy chicken with added smoke flavor. The high heat cooks them fast while keeping them tender and moist.
Grill marks enhance visual appeal and contribute to flavor. To achieve perfect grill marks, preheat the Traeger to high heat 350°F. Placing the chicken breast at a 45-degree angle to the grates creates diamond-shaped marks. Rotating the breast after 2-3 minutes ensures even marking.
You can pair this dish with a glass of blackberry martini. The sweetness of the drink can balance the char and spices on the grilled chicken. Here’s how to make Traeger Chicken Breast with tasty sauce:
Traeger Chicken Breast in Sweet and Tangy Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Traeger grill
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on the preheated grill. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Brush the chicken breasts generously with the prepared sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the chicken.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips: To prevent the dryness, you can:
– After grilling, always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting time allows for juice redistribution in chicken breast. This pause in cooking prevents moisture loss when cutting, resulting in a juicier eating experience.
– Proper slicing technique preserves moisture in chicken breast. I recommend slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness. Using a sharp knife and cutting at a slight angle enhances the eating experience.
Pairing suggestions
You can pair this Traeger Chicken Breast with:
1. Side Dishes
- Roasted vegetables: Try grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or caramelized carrots to enhance the smoky flavor of your Traeger chicken.
- Whole grains: Quinoa pilaf, wild rice blend, or farro salad make excellent hearty sides that pair well with lean protein.
- Fresh salads: A mixed green salad with vinaigrette, cucumber and tomato salad, or coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast to the chicken.
2. Sauces and Condiments
- Barbecue sauce: A classic pairing that enhances the wood-fired flavor of Traeger chicken.
- Herb-infused oils: Drizzle some rosemary olive oil, basil-infused oil, or garlic-thyme oil to accentuate the chicken’s taste.
- Fruit-based sauces: Mango salsa, apple chutney, or cranberry compote can add a sweet and tangy complement to the savory chicken.
3. Beverage Pairings
- White wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio pair well with the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Craft beers: Try a Pale Ale, Wheat Beer, or Amber Ale to complement the smoky notes of the chicken.
- Herb-infused cocktails: A Rosemary Gin Fizz, Basil Mojito, or Thyme Lemonade can enhance the overall dining experience.
4. Cuisine-Specific Pairings
- Mediterranean: Serve with hummus, tzatziki, or a Greek salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Asian-inspired: Pair with stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, or sesame noodles for an Asian fusion dish.
- Latin American: Enhance your meal with black beans and rice, grilled corn with chili and lime, or avocado salsa for a Latin American flair.
Traeger vs other grilling methods
1. Traeger vs. traditional charcoal grilling: Traeger grills offer more consistent temperature control than charcoal grills. While charcoal imparts a distinct flavor, Traegers provides a wider range of wood-fired tastes. In my experience, Traegers excels in ease of use and temperature precision.
2. Traeger vs. gas grills: Gas grills offer quick heat-up times and easy temperature adjustment. However, Traegers provide superior flavor infusion and versatility. While gas grills are convenient for quick meals, Traegers produce more flavorful results, especially for longer cooking sessions.
Traeger grills combine the flavor benefits of wood-fired cooking with the convenience of gas grills. The ability to smoke, grill, and even bake on a single appliance sets Traegers apart. It’s a standout choice for outdoor cooking.
