Barbecue-style Grilled Chicken

Barbecue-style Grilled Chicken Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Barbecue-style grilled chicken is a classic American dish that combines the smoky flavors of the grill with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. This recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to prepare chicken, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, backyard barbecues, and casual gatherings. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices creates a rich sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, resulting in a dish that's sure to please everyone.

History

The history of barbecue-style grilled chicken is deeply rooted in American culinary traditions, with variations of barbecue sauce dating back centuries. The technique of slow-cooking meat over indirect heat was first developed by indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, and it was later adopted and adapted by European settlers in America. Over time, regional variations of barbecue sauce emerged, incorporating local ingredients and preferences. This recipe represents a modern, simplified version of traditional barbecue chicken, making it accessible for home cooks everywhere.

Ingredients

1 chicken (3-3.5 lb or 1.59 kg) cut into 8 pieces or 8 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup ketchup
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp instant minced onion
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp prepared mustard

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Coat a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken in the dish and bake for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Coat the chicken with the sauce mixture, then grill for 15 – 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink. Turn the chicken halfway through grilling.
Serve the chicken hot and plain over rice, or with any main dish, side dish, or appetizer.

Variations

Consider these variations to customize the recipe to your taste:
Add a spicy kick by including a tablespoon of hot sauce or chili flakes in the barbecue sauce.
For a smokier flavor, incorporate a teaspoon of liquid smoke into the sauce mixture.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your barbecue-style grilled chicken turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Always preheat your grill to ensure even cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this barbecue-style grilled chicken with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or a creamy coleslaw for a complete meal. For a heartier option, pair it with baked beans or a potato salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the recommended cooking technique for this recipe, as it imparts a smoky flavor that complements the barbecue sauce. For best results, use a medium heat and keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're missing an ingredient or want to make a change, consider these substitutions:

- Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of white vinegar for a slightly different tang.

- Onion powder can replace instant minced onion if necessary.

- If you don't have dry mustard, a little extra prepared mustard can be used instead.

Make Ahead Tips

To save time, prepare the barbecue sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight to deepen the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

For an appealing presentation, garnish the grilled chicken with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve on a platter with lemon wedges and a brush of extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light, crisp beer or a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a lemonade or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover barbecue-style grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of barbecue-style grilled chicken contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option that can fit into various dietary plans.

Carbohydrates

This barbecue-style grilled chicken recipe contains carbohydrates primarily from the ketchup and brown sugar used in the sauce. One serving of this dish contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates. The exact amount may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Fats

The fat content in this recipe comes mainly from the chicken itself. A single serving of barbecue-style grilled chicken contains about 3-5 grams of fat, making it a relatively low-fat option for a main course. Opting for skinless chicken breasts can further reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A serving of this barbecue-style grilled chicken provides roughly 25-30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-building option for your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium, all of which are found in chicken. The sauce ingredients also contribute small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as gluten (in Worcestershire sauce and some brands of ketchup) and mustard. Always check the labels of your ingredients if you have specific food allergies.

Summary

Overall, barbecue-style grilled chicken is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful, satisfying option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Barbecue-style grilled chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich, tangy sauce and smoky flavor, it's sure to become a favorite. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy this classic American dish with family and friends for a memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Martha. We used to exchange recipes and cooking tips, and I always admired her ability to create mouthwatering dishes from scratch.

As I flipped through the pages of the cookbook, a recipe for barbecue-style grilled chicken caught my eye. The ingredients were simple - chicken pieces, barbecue sauce, and a few seasonings - but the instructions seemed a bit daunting. I had never grilled chicken before, and the thought of cooking over an open flame made me a bit nervous.

However, Martha had always encouraged me to try new things in the kitchen, so I decided to give it a shot. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set out to grill the chicken on our old charcoal barbecue grill in the backyard. The scent of the charcoal mingled with the aroma of the marinade, creating a tantalizing smell that made my mouth water.

I carefully placed the chicken pieces on the grill, making sure to baste them with the barbecue sauce every few minutes. As the chicken sizzled and cooked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The recipe that had seemed so intimidating at first was now coming together beautifully, thanks to Martha's guidance and encouragement.

After a few minutes of grilling, I flipped the chicken pieces over and basted them with more barbecue sauce. The sauce caramelized and formed a delicious glaze on the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden color. I knew that this dish would be a hit with my family, and I couldn't wait to serve it to them.

When the chicken was done, I carefully removed it from the grill and placed it on a serving platter. The aroma of the barbecue-style grilled chicken filled the air, making my mouth water even more. I called my family to the table, and we all sat down to enjoy the delicious meal that I had prepared.

As we dug into the tender, juicy chicken, I couldn't help but think back to that moment when I first found the recipe in Martha's cookbook. It was a turning point for me in my culinary journey, and it marked the beginning of my love affair with grilling. From that day on, barbecue-style grilled chicken became a staple in our household, and I would often experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create new variations of the dish.

Years passed, and Martha's cookbook became worn and tattered from constant use. But the recipe for barbecue-style grilled chicken remained a timeless favorite, passed down from one generation to the next. I had learned so much from Martha over the years, and her influence on my cooking style was immeasurable.

Even now, as I stand over the barbecue grill in my backyard, basting the chicken with a tangy barbecue sauce, I can't help but smile as I think of Martha and the role she played in shaping me into the cook I am today. The memory of finding that recipe for barbecue-style grilled chicken will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of friendship and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.