Chicken BBQ Reimagined with Adjika

Chicken is a BBQ favourite worldwide - versatile, quick to cook, and loved by all. But if you want to take your chicken dishes from everyday to extraordinary, it’s time to add a little Georgian magic: adjika. This fiery, garlicky, and aromatic chilli paste has been a cornerstone of Georgian cuisine for centuries, and it brings a distinctive depth and heat that perfectly complements grilled chicken.

In this post, we’ll explore inventive, approachable chicken BBQ recipes using the red, green, and walnut adjika varieties from the Happy Adjika BBQ Hero Kit. Alongside delicious recipes, you’ll discover stories from Georgia’s rich culinary tradition that inspire these vibrant fusion dishes.

Georgian Chicken BBQ Traditions: A Taste of History

In Georgia, chicken is often marinated or served with adjika to elevate its natural flavours. The spice blends and sauces not only add heat but also enhance the smokiness from traditional wood-fired grills, creating a perfect harmony of flavour and texture.

This tradition inspires modern BBQ cooks to experiment, blending time-honoured techniques with contemporary tastes - just like the recipes we share here.

Red Adjika Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 12 chicken drumsticks

• 3 tbsp red adjika paste

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Mix red adjika paste, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a glaze.

2. Toss chicken drumsticks in the glaze and marinate for 1-2 hours.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

4. Grill drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, turning frequently and basting with extra glaze, until cooked through and caramelised.

5. Serve with fresh herbs and a side of grilled vegetables.

Green Adjika Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 500g chicken breast, cubed

• 200g Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp green adjika paste

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Wooden skewers

Instructions

1. Combine yogurt, green adjika, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl.

2. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour.

3. Thread chicken onto soaked skewers.

4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning until cooked and lightly charred.

5. Serve with a crisp salad and flatbreads.

Walnut Adjika Chicken Salad with Toasted Walnuts

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded

• 1 tbsp walnut adjika paste

• Mixed salad greens

• Handful of cherry tomatoes

• 50g toasted walnuts, chopped

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing

Instructions

1. Toss shredded chicken with walnut adjika paste until coated.

2. Arrange salad greens on a plate and top with tomatoes, chicken, walnuts, and red onion.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

4. Serve immediately for a fresh, flavour-packed salad.

Why Adjika Works Wonders with Chicken BBQ

Chicken’s mild flavour and tender texture make it the perfect canvas for adjika’s bold spices. The heat and garlic enhance the meat’s natural juiciness while the herbs and walnuts add layers of complexity. Using different adjika varieties lets you tailor the spice level and flavour profile to your liking, whether you prefer smoky red, fresh green, or nutty walnut notes.

Tips for Grilling Chicken with Adjika

• Always marinate chicken to allow flavours to fully penetrate.

• Use indirect heat for larger pieces to cook thoroughly without burning.

• Baste regularly for a sticky, flavourful glaze.

• Pair with cooling sides like yogurt dips or fresh salads to balance the heat.

Give your chicken BBQ a delicious makeover with the unique and vibrant flavours of Georgian adjika.

Ready to impress? Grab your adjika jars and start cooking chicken the Georgian way today.