Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky grilled chicken enhanced by a tangy citrus brine and a vibrant blueberry BBQ sauce that celebrates summer flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends skinless chicken breasts, water, kosher salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; stir until salt and sugar dissolve to create a citrus brine.
  2. Step 2: Submerge 4 skinless chicken breasts in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours to infuse moisture and flavor.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken brines, prepare the blueberry BBQ sauce by blending 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a saucepan over medium heat; simmer for 15 minutes until thick and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from brine, pat dry, and brush with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior has appealing grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken topped generously with the warm blueberry BBQ sauce for a colorful and flavorful patriotic-inspired dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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