Smoky Chicken Okra
The star of this enticing meal prep is the Smoky Chicken Okra – a delightful fusion of tender, barbecued chicken thighs paired with fresh, steamed okra. This dish brings together the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue with the unique texture of okra, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
The Recipe:
Smoky Chicken BBQ
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh okra, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with the sauce mixture.
- Grill or bake chicken for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with remaining sauce.
- Meanwhile, steam okra for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Serve chicken with steamed okra on the side.
Variations:
- For spicy version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
- For an herb-infused version, incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the sauce.
- To make a citrus twist, add lemon or lime zest to brighten the flavors.
Tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t overcook the okra to avoid a slimy texture.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and quicker cooking.
- Use a pre-made BBQ sauce and enhance it with your own spices.
- Prep okra in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to steam.
The Side Dishes:
Basmati Rice with Sesame:
- Cook basmati rice according to package instructions.
- Before serving, stir in toasted sesame seeds for added nutty flavor and texture.
Steamed Okra:
- Trim okra ends and steam for 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Fresh Plum Slices:
- Simply wash and slice ripe plums.
- For added flair, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with honey.
Equipment & Ingredients:
To make your very own smoky chicken BBQ, you may consider purchasing most of the following items on Amazon:
Equipment:
- Grill or Oven-Safe Baking Dish
- Rice Cooker
- Steamer Basket
- Meal Prep Containers
Ingredients:
- Quality BBQ Sauce
- Smoked Paprika
- Basmati Rice
- Sesame Seeds
These high-quality ingredients and equipment will help you recreate this delicious and nutritious meal with ease. Remember, investing in good kitchen tools can make meal prep more enjoyable and efficient in the long run.
Smoky Chicken Okra Recipe
A flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring tender barbecued chicken thighs paired with fresh steamed okra. This smoky, savory meal is perfect for lunch or dinner and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh okra sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the sauce mixture.
- If grilling, place chicken on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with remaining sauce.If baking, place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the okra by trimming the ends and slicing.
- Steam the okra for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the smoky chicken alongside the steamed okra.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
- You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an herby twist.
- Don’t overcook the okra to avoid a slimy texture.
- Marinating the chicken overnight can enhance flavor and reduce cooking time.
