Heritage Day, also known as Braai Day, celebrates the arrival of spring in South Africa. Our specialty is cooking delicious meats over an open fire. While some of us may be hesitant to throw a whole chicken on the braai, we know that our WEBER braai will keep the chicken for this Heritage Day BBQ nice and juicy and tender. The smoke and moisture are locked in when the lid is closed, maintaining the meat’s juiciness and giving it a smoky flavour.
The method of grilling and the constant basting are the secret to this easy barbecue dish, which eliminates the need for marinating for days.
Heritage Day BBQ chicken suggestions
The basting sauce is perfect for the grill, but it also works well as a gravy when served on the side. The chicken breasts will retain more moisture if the bones are left in. The added flavour from the bones is a nice bonus. When closed, the WEBER grill provides temperature control similar to that of an oven. Thus, The WEBER grill eliminates the risk of overcooking and drying out poultry.
Always have a basting brush on ready to add extra flavour. The chicken skins, if kept on, will be more flavorful and crispy if they are given a beautiful sear on the exterior while cooking. BBQ the chicken and serve it with the rest of the meal you’ve prepared for your extended family and friends.
Enjoy this Heritage Day BBQ chicken and other delicious foods at your large braai to commemorate one of South Africa’s most favourite days.
Heritage Day BBQ chicken recipe
Course: Main
Cuisine: South African
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
-
4 skinless chicken breasts (you can also use other chicken pieces)
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extra virgin olive oil
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kosher salt, to taste
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freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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½ cup your favourite BBQ sauce
Method
- Prepare the grill or your WEBER braai for direct cooking at high heat. Brush the cooking grids clean.
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and rub them over the breasts. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes or until they easily release from the grates. Flip the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes longer. Baste the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce, flip and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Repeat on the other side. Cook until the breasts are firm and cooked all the way through.
- Transfer to a plate and cover with a piece of aluminium foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve with more BBQ sauce if desired.