In the world of Southern cuisine, pickling is a popular technique for preserving fruits and vegetables while adding flavor and texture to dishes. Pickled peaches, in particular, are a delicious and tangy addition to any meal, especially when paired with grilled barbecued chicken thighs. This blog will guide you through the steps to make both pickled peaches and grilled barbecue chicken thighs and provide some serving suggestions to enjoy this flavorful combination.
Pickling is a process of preserving food by soaking it in a vinegar-based solution. The acidity of the vinegar helps to prevent bacteria growth and enhance the flavor of the food. Here’s how to make pickled peaches:
Ingredients:
4 ripe peaches
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons salt
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Bring the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to a boil in a saucepan.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cut the peaches in half, remove the pits, and slice into thin wedges.
Place the sliced peaches in a clean jar.
Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the peaches, making sure they are fully submerged.
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to a month.
Pickled peaches are not only delicious on their own but also make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards.
Barbecue chicken is a classic Southern dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s a barbecue chicken recipe that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
Barbecue Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
Discard the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, and grill for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Flip the chicken and brush the top with barbecue sauce. Grill for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. 7.
To make the barbecue sauce:
Whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use immediately or store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Section 3: Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made pickled peaches and grilled barbecue chicken thighs, it’s time to serve them up! Here are some serving suggestions:
Serve the chicken thighs with a side of pickled peaches and a green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Use the pickled peaches as a topping for the barbecue chicken, adding a tangy and sweet flavor to the dish.
Make a sandwich with the grilled chicken and pickled peaches on a bun with some arugula and a dollop of barbecue sauce.
Serve the pickled peaches as a side dish to grilled pork chops or as a topping for vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert.
Pickled peaches and grilled barbecue chicken thighs are a delicious combination that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy and sweet flavor of the pickled peaches pairs perfectly with the smoky and savory flavors of the barbecue chicken. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make your own pickled peaches and barbecue chicken at home and enjoy this Southern classic any time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other fruits for pickling? A: Yes, you can use other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and cherries for pickling.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
However, bone-in chicken thighs will give a juicier and more flavorful result.
Q: How long can I store the pickled peaches? A: Pickled peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Q: Can I use the barbecue sauce for other dishes? A: Yes, the barbecue sauce can be used for other dishes such as grilled pork, beef, or even tofu.
Q: Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, the barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
