What is Mesquite Chicken? A Guide to This Unique and Flavorful Grilled Dish

Mesquite chicken is a mouthwatering grilled or smoked chicken dish that is infused with the rich, smoky flavor of mesquite wood This savory and slightly sweet chicken is a southwestern specialty that deserves a spot on your summer barbecue menu

In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about mesquite chicken, including what makes it so tasty, how to prepare it, and some serving ideas to enjoy it to the fullest. Let’s get smoking!

Mesquite chicken refers to chicken that has been grilled or smoked over mesquite wood, giving it a signature smoky, wood-fired taste. The chicken is marinated beforehand in a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes a sweet component like brown sugar. This imparts a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the mesquite smoke.

Mesquite has a stronger, more earthy flavor than hickory or oak, which are also used for smoking. The desert mesquite tree, which grows in the southwestern US and Mexico, gives it its unique flavor. Native American groups have eaten the pods that mesquite trees make for a long time because they are full of nutrients.

Today, mesquite wood is prized for smoking all types of meat, especially beef. But it also adds an unbelievable richness and aroma when used to smoke chicken. The resulting mesquite chicken has a crisp, caramelized exterior encasing juicy and tender meat imbued with mesquite’s incomparable flavor.

The Secret’s in the Marinade

A flavorful marinade is key to producing fantastic mesquite chicken. The marinade not only makes the meat tender and flavorful, but it also helps the meat get a good crust when it’s smoked.

There are many mesquite chicken marinade options, but most contain a blend of:

• Oil: such as olive or avocado oil, to add moisture and bind the ingredients
• Acid: such as lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or yogurt to tenderize the meat
• Mesquite seasoning: provides that signature smoky taste
• Spices and herbs: like garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, oregano, etc.
• Sweetener: brown sugar, honey, agave nectar to balance the flavors

You can either make your own marinade or use a ready-made mesquite chicken seasoning. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight, so the flavors really permeate the meat.

Smoking Mesquite Chicken to Perfection

To make mesquite chicken, you’ll need an outdoor grill with a lid or a smoker. Smokers allow you to cook the chicken indirectly, infusing it with smoky flavor for hours without drying it out. But you can also use a regular charcoal or gas grill as long as you employ indirect heat.

Here are some tips for smoking stellar mesquite chicken:

• Use natural lump charcoal and chunks of mesquite wood for authentic flavor.
• Keep the temperature between 225-250°F for tender, juicy meat.
• Place the chicken on the opposite side of the fire or heat source for indirect cooking.
• Allow at least 1-1.5 hours of smoking time for bone-in chicken pieces. Breasts may take less time.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

The end result is chicken with a browned outside that gives way to juicy, smoke-flavored meat inside. It’s a match made in barbecue heaven!.

Serving Suggestions for Mesquite Chicken

There are endless options for serving your freshly smoked mesquite chicken. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:

• Chop or shred the chicken and pile it on sandwiches or tacos with zippy sides like pickles, slaw, and barbecue sauce.
• Dice or slice it to top entree salads full of greens, beans, corn, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
• Pair mesquite chicken drumsticks, wings, or thighs with classic barbecue sides like cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
• Serve kabobs or skewers of mesquite chicken and veggies over rice or cauliflower rice for a full meal.
• Pile sliced chicken breast on a pizza and finish it with caramelized onions, peppers, and cheese.
• Make mesquite chicken tacos with all the fixings like pepper jack cheese, pineapple salsa, cilantro, and lime crema.

The rich taste of mesquite chicken is so versatile. It’s tasty enough to eat on its own or added to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and other foods.

FAQs About Mesquite Chicken

If you’re new to mesquite chicken, you likely have some questions about making this incredible grilled dish. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I make mesquite chicken without a grill or smoker?

Yes! You can roast the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F until cooked through and the skin is browned and crispy. It won’t have the same smoky depth, but will still be very flavorful.

How do I know when the chicken is done smoking?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast and thighs reaches 165°F. The meat near the bones may need a little longer. Watch for the juices to run clear as well.

Is mesquite seasoning spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add chili powder or other hot spices to the marinade to amp up the heat. Start with small amounts until you achieve the desired spiciness.

Can I use mesquite wood chips?

Absolutely. Mesquite chips work well for shorter smoking sessions. Just soak them in water for 30 minutes before adding to your charcoal. Rotate in new chips every 20-30 minutes to maintain smoke.

What wood gives a similar flavor if I can’t find mesquite?

Hickory is the closest option with its bold, smoky profile. Apple, oak, and pecan woods will work too but have milder flavors.

Can I freeze and reheat mesquite chicken?

You can freeze smoked mesquite chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill.

What’s the best way to carve a whole smoked chicken?

Start by cutting off the legs and thighs. Then slice the breast meat off the bone in one piece. Finally, cut the wing joints and slice the meat.

An Irresistible Smoked Chicken Experience

Mesquite chicken is a southwestern tradition that infuses chicken with an incredible depth of flavor. The marinade and slow smoking over mesquite wood results in juicy, tender meat with a touch of sweetness and robust smoky taste.

Use this guide to achieve mesquite chicken perfection in your own backyard. Then serve it in everything from tacos to pizza for meals that deliver major flavor. Once you try real mesquite chicken, you’ll be hooked!