Kalamazoo-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Cherry BBQ Glaze

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy cherry BBQ sauce paying homage to Michigan’s abundant cherry harvest. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: For the cherry BBQ glaze, combine 1 cup pitted Michigan tart cherries, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Brush each chicken breast with 1 tbsp olive oil and place them on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing generously with the cherry BBQ glaze during the last 4 minutes of cooking, turning frequently to create a sticky glaze.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra cherry BBQ sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kalamazoo-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Cherry BBQ Glaze 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 Kalamazoo-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Cherry BBQ Glaze?

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 ketchup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kalamazoo-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Cherry BBQ Glaze?

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 Kalamazoo-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Cherry BBQ Glaze 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 Kalamazoo-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Cherry BBQ Glaze?

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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