We have a winner!  Congratulations to Greg Fontenot on winning the Cooking Contest Central “Summer Grilling” recipe contest! His recipe for “Tea Smoked Grilled Orange Chicken” received rave reviews from our judges!

If you have always wanted to try smoking but weren’t ready to invest in an expensive smoker for your outdoor grilling needs, Greg offers a simple and innovative solution!  His recipe not only has a flavorful Asian-style basting sauce, he also describes how to build a simple smoking dish right on your grill.

How did you come up with your winning recipe?

This recipe evolved over the last few years or so.  I grill a lot, like most Texans.  I wanted to develop a sauce that would cling to the meat and make a nice rich coating.  I started using Hoisin sauce in other recipes and thought it would add a great glaze, and it did.  Over time I added ingredients to come up with the glaze you see now.  Chicken thighs were a perfect match for this thick, glaze.  I really think they are the most flavorful and moist cut of chicken. 

Why is this one of your favorite recipes to make on the grill?

This really is a family favorite.  The glaze and smoke make a really nice tasting dish.  The whole family really enjoys it.  The thighs remain moist, even if you lose track of time, but who does that when they are cooking?!  I enjoy complex flavorful dishes that I can grill.  My outside grilling station is one of my most favorite places, any time of the year. 

Can you tell us more about the “tea smoking” technique?

The smoke element was something I thought of years ago and have been using with most of my Asian-inspired grilling dishes.  The smoke provided from burning rice with tea and brown sugar is a unique flavor.  I usually use the smoke with grilled chicken that is not so heavily glazed.  The flavor really comes out as different.  With this heavier glazed dish the smoke is a little more subtle, but nice.

Do you have any plans for the prize?  

I plan on placing the knife set up on my counter and displaying it with pride.  My other current set will be passed down to my son, who is already showing greatness in the kitchen.

Do you have an award-winning tips or recipe contest advice?

I get this question from many people.  The best answer is “Keep it simple”.  This dish is a little more complex than my routine dishes, but still not over the top.