Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Get Your Grill On!

Barbecue Sauces come in all kinds of flavors, colors, and types. Everyone knows the thick, sweet sauces found on the shelves of most grocery stores However, there is so much more to barbecue than these bottled condiments.

Cherry Bomb Chicken

Print Recipe Jump to Recipe
Looking for a spicy and flavorful chicken dish that will really kick your taste buds into overdrive? Look no further than my delicious Cherry Bomb Chicken recipe!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Additional 4 hours 40 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
SERVINGS 6 People

Ingredients
  

  • 1 quart  cold water
  • 1/3 cup  kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup  white sugar
  • 1 (4 pound)  whole chicken, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 3  habanero peppers, seeded
  • 4 cloves  garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon  ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon  dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon  ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon  ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon  cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon  vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons prepared Thai sweet chili sauce

Instructions
 

  • Combine water, kosher salt, and sugar in a saucepan over low heat; cook until sugar and salt dissolve, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  •  Score the skin side of each piece of chicken 2 to 3 times, about 1/8 inch deep. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or lidded container.
  • Puree cherry tomatoes, habanero peppers, garlic, and allspice with the salt and sugar mixture in a blender until smooth.
  •  Pour tomato brine over chicken pieces, making sure all pieces are covered. Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.
  •  Remove chicken pieces and transfer to a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat chicken pieces dry with more paper towels.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Combine thyme, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and oil in a small bowl.
  • Brush each chicken piece with thyme and oil mixture.
  • Cook chicken, skin side down, on the preheated grill for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn each piece and move to indirect heat. Cook until well-browned and meat is no longer pink in the center, 30 to 35 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Brush each piece with Thai sweet chile sauce. Transfer to a plate and allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 6gCalories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 22.6gProtein: 41.5gFat: 25.3gSaturated Fat: 6.8gCholesterol: 129.3mgSodium: 5251.8mgPotassium: 500.1mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 18.5gVitamin A: 517.8IUVitamin C: 11.6mgCalcium: 39.6mgIron: 2.7mg
American Barbecue Association

FEATURED RECIPES, EXCLUSIVES & MORE!

Shop BBQ

Find the best BBQ tools, grills, merchandise and more. Plus shop for some great BBQ swag!

Reviews

American Barbecue Association
© 2026 American Barbecue Association. All Rights Reserved
Scroll to Top

Become a Member of the
American Barbecue Association!

Exclusive access to recipes, events, and more!