Sparkling Apple Chicken with Flame-Kissed McIntosh Wedges

by Brooke McLay
(Colorado Springs, CO)

Preparation Time: 2 hours to overnight to marinate. 20 minutes to grill.
Serves: 6-8

For the marinade:
12 oz. sparkling apple cider
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tsp. salt
¼ c. olive oil
3 pounds chicken, thighs & drumsticks
Whisk the first four ingredients together in a large bowl. Submerge chicken, cover, marinate 2 hours to overnight.

For the Apple Wedges:
4 McIntosh Apples (Granny Smith or Fuji Apples will also work)
¼ c. sugar
1 T. cinnamon
1/4 c. olive oil
Cut apples into ½ inch thick slices. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. Brush both sides of apple slices with olive oil. Coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside for grilling.

For the Grilling:
Heat grill to a medium-low heat. Remove chicken from marinade, and place on grill. Grill 7-10 minutes, or until meat has cooked through on one side. Turn chicken, and place apple slices on the grill. Grill chicken an additional 5-7 minutes. Grill apple slices 2-3 minutes. Flip. Grill apples an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove cooked chicken & warm apple slices from the grill. Eat & Enjoy!