Grilled Southwestern Michigan Cherry BBQ Chicken

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs glazed with a tangy cherry barbecue sauce inspired by Southwest Michigan's famous tart cherries. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, fresh or frozen tart cherries, ketchup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh or frozen tart cherries, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the cherries break down and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and a drizzle of 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden, then flip and brush with the cherry barbecue sauce. Continue grilling for 6-8 minutes more, brushing with sauce every 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with remaining cherry barbecue sauce for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Southwestern Michigan Cherry BBQ Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Southwestern Michigan Cherry BBQ Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh or frozen tart cherries from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Southwestern Michigan Cherry BBQ Chicken?

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 Southwestern Michigan Cherry BBQ Chicken 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 Southwestern Michigan Cherry BBQ Chicken?

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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