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!