Heavenly BBQ Honey Sriracha Chicken with Exotic Cajun Barley

This dish combines the sweet and spicy flavors of honey and Sriracha with tender chicken, creating a perfect harmony in each bite. The exotic barley, infused with Cajun spices, adds an enticingly bold and nutty component, making this a unique and memorable meal.

Ingredients

# For the Chicken:
– 4 chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

# For the Barley:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

# Preparing the Chicken:
1. In a bowl, combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika. Whisk together until well blended.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill or bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

# Preparing the Barley:
1. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the red bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the pearl barley and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly.
5. Add the vegetable broth and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving:
1. Place a serving of Cajun barley on each plate.
2. Top with sliced BBQ Honey Sriracha Chicken.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This Heavenly BBQ Honey Sriracha Chicken with Exotic Cajun Barley is sure to be a hit at your next dinner!