Fire Day Friday: Grilled Chicken with Orange Chipotle Glaze

I have a love affair with chipotles. It’s true. I don’t know if Chris knows about it or not, but I’m thinking he does not, as he never seems to question the numerous times chipotle shows up for dinner. Either way, it’s not a love affair I am ready to give up yet, so let’s just keep this between us… ok?

At least I am willing to share my love with you all 🙂

The orange chipotle glaze was pretty spectacular. The citrus and the smokiness of the chipotles blended so wonderfully together that I would swear they were meant to be together…. but I know that isn’t true as chipotle was meant for me ….and you of course!

Grilled Chicken with Orange Chipotle Glaze
Adapted from Cooking.com
– Serves 2 –
Printable Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 of a whole chicken
3 cups water
1 1/2 Tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 Tablespoons chipotle puree
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon molasses

Directions:
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl. Mix together the water, salt, sugar, pepper, and garlic until the sugar and salt has dissolved. Pour mixture over chicken and allow to brine for at least 2 hours. Remove chicken from brine and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towel.

In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice concentrate, chipotle puree, balsamic, Dijon, and molasses until well combined. Pour half of the glaze over the chicken and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Preheat grill to 375 degrees F. Oil grill grates. Place the chicken, skin side down directly over the fire. Grill for 10 minutes. Move the chicken to indirect heat (no longer directly over the fire), and continue to grill another 10 minutes. Move chicken back to direct heat and flip over. Baste skin side of chicken with some of the remaining glaze and allow to grill for 10 minutes. Baste again with any remaining glaze and continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through – 160F in the breast and 180F in the deep thigh. Enjoy!