| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 10g | 2g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 3g | 35g | 0.7g |
Smoked Chicken with Sassafras Glaze captures everything I love about cooking – it’s a perfect blend of healthiness with a hint of indulgence. Combining the earthy, slightly sweet notes of sassafras with the smoky depth of paprika and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this recipe is a harmonious marriage of flavors. It reflects the crisp, fresh ethos of West Coast cuisine while keeping the heartwarming satisfaction of classic American comfort food intact.
A Fusion of Flavors and Textures
From the tender, grilled chicken breasts to the vibrant medley of fresh fruits and the crunch of toasted pecans, every bite is an adventure. The sassafras glaze brings an unexpected, lightly spiced sweetness that’s beautifully offset by the tartness of the apple cider vinegar. This dish is a celebration of contrasts and complementarities.
Health Benefits Galore
What makes this dish even more delightful are the health benefits it brings to the table. Chicken breasts are exceptionally high in protein and low in fat, making them a great choice for a nutritious meal. The inclusion of assorted fresh fruits like apples, pears, and grapes offers an abundant source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Not to mention, the honey and garlic in the glaze come with their own set of health perks, from boosting your immune system to having anti-inflammatory properties.
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, airy dishes like a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or even a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables for a heartier option. It also harkens to other favorites such as grilled chicken with lemon herb sauce or honey-glazed salmon with mango salsa, both of which share a similar balance of sweet and savory flavors.
I particularly love serving this for family dinners; it’s always a hit with my children and allows me to introduce them to unique flavors and nutritious ingredients. The vibrant colors and the delightful aroma that waft through the house as the chicken grills make it an enticing dish that draws everyone to the table.
So next time you’re looking to shake up your routine and try something that’s both healthful and deeply satisfying, give Smoked Chicken with Sassafras Glaze a go. I promise, it’ll become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sassafras syrup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as apples, pears, and grapes), cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- Olive oil for grilling
Method
Step One
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly brush each breast with olive oil and set aside.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sassafras syrup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This will be your glaze.
Step Three
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step Four
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last few minutes of cooking, generously brush the chicken with the sassafras glaze. Turn the chicken occasionally to prevent burning.
Step Five
While the chicken cooks, prepare the fruit salad by combining the cubed fresh fruit, chopped parsley, and toasted pecans in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
Step Six
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Step Seven
Serve the smoked chicken breasts drizzled with any remaining sassafras glaze, alongside the fresh fruit salad. Enjoy!
