Are you ready to savor some seriously appetizing southern BBQ Chicken? I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you, packed with flavor adn that smoky goodness we all love! Whether it’s a weekend cookout or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to make your taste buds dance. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Cook Time: 45

Prep Time: 15

Yields: 5

Calories: 424

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Southern BBQ Chicken

Making Southern BBQ Chicken is a delightful experience, and it starts with the right ingredients. I love how each component contributes to that sweet and smoky flavor we all crave.Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds a rich sweetness that balances out the tangy BBQ sauce.
2 large cloves garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic brings a splendid aroma and flavor to the marinade.
2 teaspoons salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the chicken.
1 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick of spice makes everything nice.
10 chicken drumsticks: The star of our dish! Feel free to use thighs or wings if you prefer.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This will help prevent sticking and add moisture during grilling.
½ cup finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to our homemade BBQ sauce.
¾ cup ketchup: This is the base of our BBQ sauce, giving it a classic taste.
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: For a bit of tanginess.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient rounds out the flavors perfectly.

gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to transform them into a mouthwatering Southern BBQ Chicken that will impress your friends and family. Trust me; the combination of these flavors is what makes this recipe truly special.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Southern BBQ Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Making this Southern BBQ Chicken is straightforward and can be a fun activity for anyone in the kitchen.

Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, mash together the brown sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you have a mortar and pestle, thatS perfect! Otherwise, just use a fork.

Prepare the Chicken: Transfer the marinade into a resealable bag. Add the chicken drumsticks, seal the bag, and massage it gently to ensure every piece is coated.For the best flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight if you have the time.

Cook the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the vegetable oil and add the onion.Sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ketchup,white wine vinegar,and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.

Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it onto the grill.Cook until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes, flipping once. Turn off one burner to create a zone for indirect heat. Move the chicken to this area, maintaining a grill temperature of around 300-350°F (150-175°C).

Baste and Cook: Now, cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, turning halfway.Baste with the BBQ sauce and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.Check for doneness— the chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), and juices should run clear.

By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly grilled Southern BBQ Chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed. happy cooking!

Serving and Storage Data for Southern BBQ Chicken

After preparing and enjoying your Southern BBQ Chicken,you might wonder how to serve and store any leftovers. This dish shines on its own or can be paired with various sides for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions:

sides: I love serving this BBQ chicken with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. These accompaniments add texture and balance to the meal.
Sauces: While the chicken is delicious on its own, consider offering some additional BBQ sauce on the side for extra flavor. A store-bought option such as Sweet Baby Ray’s works well, or try making a quick homemade honey mustard for a twist.

Storage Tips:

If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When reheating, you can either use an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.

Having the right serving and storage strategy not only helps you enjoy this dish longer but also keeps those amazing flavors intact.

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Southern BBQ Chicken

Cooking Southern BBQ Chicken can be straightforward, but here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to enhance your experience.

Common issues:

Chicken Sticking to the Grill: If you find your chicken sticks, make sure to preheat the grill properly and oil the grate. This helps create a non-stick surface.
dry Chicken: To prevent dryness, avoid cooking the chicken directly over high heat for too long.Flipping it regularly and basting with BBQ sauce helps keep it moist.

Flavor Variations:

Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your marinade for a spicy kick.
Different Cuts of Chicken: While drumsticks are fantastic, you can also use thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will cook faster.

Marinating Time:

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken overnight if possible. if time is tight, even an hour will still impart good flavor.

Checking Doneness:

Use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra assurance,insert it into the thickest part,avoiding the bone.

With these notes and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges and make this Southern BBQ Chicken a hit every time!