West Virginia Blackberry BBQ Chicken Breasts

Introduction

Fire up your grill and bring bold Appalachian flavors to your backyard with this West Virginia Blackberry BBQ Chicken Breasts recipe. We use the Arteflame Grill to achieve an incredible sear followed by perfect doneness with the reverse searing method. The homemade blackberry barbecue glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the juicy grilled chicken. This recipe is all about simple ingredients, dynamic flavors, and the artistry of outdoor grilling—done the West Virginia way.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for grilling)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame Grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
3. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the center grill grate to reach over 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackberry BBQ Glaze

1. Place blackberries on the hot flat cooktop near the center to extract juices, using a spatula to smash gently.
2. Slide the berries to a slightly cooler zone and stir in ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne if using.
3. Simmer and reduce until thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and mix until smooth. Move to a cooler zone to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Place them on the center grill grate for about 60-90 seconds per side to get a golden crust.
3. Move seared chicken to the flat cooktop toward the outer edge to continue cooking to the desired internal temperature.

Step 4: Brush with Blackberry BBQ Sauce

1. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 135°F-140°F, generously brush in the blackberry BBQ glaze on both sides.
2. Continue cooking to 160°F, then remove from grill (carry-over cooking will bring it to 165°F).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
2. Serve with extra blackberry BBQ sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Tips

• Resting meat after cooking is crucial; it allows juices to redistribute evenly.
• Use butter instead of oil when grilling on the flat cooktop for more flavor.
• Monitor the cool and hot zones on your Arteflame to optimize cooking.
• If you like extra char, press the chicken lightly on the center grate when searing.
• Make extra sauce—it’s great on grilled veggies or even burgers.

Variations

1. Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken: Swap blackberries for peaches and add chili flakes for a sweet heat kick.
2. Herbed Blackberry Chicken: Stir in chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the BBQ sauce for a fragrant herbal twist.
3. Maple Blackberry Glazed Chicken: Add a splash of maple syrup to intensify sweetness and give it a distinct Appalachian flavor.
4. Bourbon Blackberry Chicken: Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce while simmering for a smoky, boozy depth.
5. Smoky Chipotle Blackberry Chicken: Blend in pureed chipotles in adobo for a rich, smoky dimension.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with a honey-butter glaze
• Charred green beans tossed in lemon zest and garlic
• Warm cornbread cooked right on the Arteflame griddle
• Grilled peaches or pineapple as a sweet finish
• A cold glass of sweet iced tea or chilled Riesling

Conclusion

This West Virginia Blackberry BBQ Chicken Breasts recipe brings together the best of Appalachian ingredients and modern grilling on the Arteflame. With its steakhouse sear and fruity, smoky glaze, it’s a dish that surprises and satisfies. The Arteflame's open-air cooking and temperature versatility make this an outdoor dinner you’ll want to repeat often.