This BBQ Chicken with Corn Cheese recipe is a delightful fusion of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors, perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. The tender and juicy chicken is marinated with a blend of spices and milk, then grilled to perfection and slathered in a homemade BBQ sauce. Paired with gooey mozzarella cheese and sweet corn, this dish offers a rich combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or a fan of cheesy comfort food, this recipe will satisfy your cravings.
Full Recipe:
ngredients
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 1kg (11 pieces) chicken legs, boneless
- 6g (0.6 tbsp) salt
- 10g (1 tbsp) sugar
- 10g (1 tbsp) curry powder
- 2g (1 tsp) ginger powder
- 20g (1 tbsp) minced garlic or garlic powder
- 2g (1 tsp) black pepper powder
- 1g (1 tsp) oregano
- 350ml milk
For Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- 20g (1 tbsp) minced garlic (or 1 tbsp garlic powder, if skipping the garlic-water mix)
- 30g (5 tbsp) water (if using fresh garlic)
- 7g (1.5 tbsp) chili powder
- 7g (1 tbsp) soy sauce
- 12g (1 tbsp) ketchup
- 5g (0.5 tbsp) sugar
- 7g (1 tbsp) cooking wine
- 0.2 tsp ginger powder
- 22g (2 tbsp) honey
- 1g (1 tsp) black pepper powder (added at the end)
For the Corn Cheese:
- 210g mozzarella cheese
- 80g (5 tbsp) sweet corn
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the salt, sugar, curry powder, ginger powder, minced garlic (or garlic powder), black pepper powder, and oregano.
- Add the Milk: Pour the milk into the mixture and stir to combine.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless chicken legs to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for better flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- Prepare Garlic (if using fresh): If using fresh garlic, mix the minced garlic with water and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add chili powder, soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, cooking wine, and ginger powder. Stir the mixture over low heat until well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the garlic-water mixture (if using fresh garlic) and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Add honey and stir well.
- Add Black Pepper: Finally, stir in black pepper powder to taste and remove from heat. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Grill the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and charred on the edges. You can baste the chicken with some BBQ sauce while grilling for extra flavor.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: Once cooked, brush the grilled chicken generously with the prepared BBQ sauce on both sides.
Step 4: Prepare the Corn Cheese
- Heat the Corn: In a small saucepan, warm the sweet corn over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Transfer the corn to a heatproof dish and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once ready, remove from the oven and serve alongside the BBQ chicken.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Serve the Chicken: Place the BBQ chicken pieces on a serving plate.
- Add Corn Cheese: Serve the cheesy corn on the side.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish the dish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, salad, or bread.
Cooking Tips
- Marinating: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grilling: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cheese: For extra creaminess, you can add a dollop of fresh spreadable cheese on top of the melted mozzarella and corn mixture.
- BBQ Sauce: Adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce by adding more honey or reducing the sugar, depending on your taste preferences.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or until heated through. Reheat the corn cheese in the microwave or oven until the cheese melts again.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. The BBQ sauce can also be frozen for later use.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximation)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
2. Can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
3. Can I use other cheeses for the corn cheese?
Yes, you can use any meltable cheese like cheddar or gouda. Mozzarella is preferred for its stretchy texture, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
4. Can I skip the homemade BBQ sauce and use store-bought?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute the homemade BBQ sauce with your favorite store-bought variety.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious served with crusty bread or rice.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken with Corn Cheese is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The tender, juicy chicken infused with rich BBQ flavors, paired with the creamy, cheesy corn, makes for a perfect combination. Whether you’re preparing this for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to become a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time. Enjoy the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!