Smoky Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe: A Taste of Comfort

Juicy southern bbq chicken brings a mouthwatering twist to classic summer cookouts.

Smoke and spice dance together in this hearty dish that promises pure comfort.

Backyard gatherings will never be the same once you master these flavor-packed techniques.

Local pitmasters have perfected slow-cooking methods that infuse every bite with rich, tangy goodness.

Marinating creates deep, complex layers of taste that make this recipe truly special.

Crispy skin and tender meat combine in a delectable experience you won’t forget.

Grab your apron and fire up the grill – an incredible culinary adventure awaits.

What Makes Southern BBQ Chicken So Craveable

• Savor Bold Southern Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering chicken recipe packed with authentic southern BBQ taste that brings regional culinary traditions right to your plate.
• Master Easy Grilling Techniques: Enjoy a foolproof method that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Sauce Adventure: Create a homemade BBQ sauce that lets you control the sweetness and tanginess, making each bite perfectly tailored to your preference.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time, allowing for quick and stress-free cooking when you're ready to grill, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Southern BBQ Chicken Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs the sweet and savory marinade perfectly.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a caramelized sweetness and helps create a delicious crust.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that enhances the chicken's natural flavor.

• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the sauce.
• Ketchup: Creates a tangy and rich base for the BBQ sauce.
• Vinegar: Brings a sharp, bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, umami flavor to the sauce.

How to Cook Southern BBQ Chicken Right

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning Paste

Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients thoroughly until they transform into a rich, cohesive paste that will infuse the chicken with deep, tantalizing flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer the chicken into a resealable plastic bag and generously coat it with the brown sugar seasoning paste. Seal the bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator.

Allow it to rest for a minimum of one hour, or ideally overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.

Step 3: Craft Homemade BBQ Sauce

Heat a small pan over medium heat.

Add diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, which takes approximately 3 minutes.

• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce

Stir the sauce ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, robust flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect cooking environment for juicy, smoky chicken.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the grill.

Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce every few minutes to ensure maximum flavor and moisture. Grill each side for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the grill and plate immediately. Offer additional BBQ sauce on the side for those who want an extra flavor boost.

Serve hot and savor the southern-style deliciousness.

Best Tips for Tender Southern BBQ Chicken

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that penetrates every bite.
• Adjust the BBQ sauce heat by adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes for spice lovers.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
• Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for alternative sweetness in the marinade.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on personal preference and texture desired.

Bold BBQ Chicken Twists to Try

• Smoky Chipotle Edition: Replace brown sugar with chipotle powder and add a dash of smoked paprika for an intense, spicy southwestern flavor profile.
• Honey Mustard Remix: Swap brown sugar paste with honey mustard blend, incorporating Dijon mustard and local honey for a tangy, sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Transform the recipe by using soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil instead of traditional seasonings, creating a rich umami-packed chicken with an eastern flair.
• Herb Garden Variation: Infuse fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the original brown sugar paste, adding bright, aromatic herbs that complement the smoky grilled chicken.

What Sides Pair Well with Southern BBQ Chicken

• Pair Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp, creamy cabbage slaw cuts through the rich BBQ chicken, providing a refreshing contrast with its zesty flavor and cool crunch.
• Serve Cornbread Companions: Warm, buttery cornbread absorbs the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, complementing the chicken's robust southern-style taste.
• Sip Southern Sweet Tea: Chilled, sugary tea with a hint of lemon balances the spicy and sweet notes of the grilled chicken, offering a classic Southern beverage pairing.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Tangy, acidic pickled sides like okra or cucumber pickles help cleanse the palate between bites of rich, saucy BBQ chicken.

How to Store Southern BBQ Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Microwave Quick: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.

Southern BBQ Chicken FAQs

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

You can use an oven or cast-iron skillet. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or pan-sear the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• Is it okay to use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Just adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking – typically 5-7 minutes per side.

• How spicy is this BBQ chicken?

The recipe is mild with a sweet and tangy flavor. If you want heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar paste.

Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (or overnight)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Southern BBQ Chicken brings the heart of Southern comfort to your dinner table with its smoky, tangy flavors and tender meat. Succulent chicken embraces a rich, homemade barbecue sauce that promises a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty blend of brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a cohesive paste by thoroughly mixing in a mixing bowl.
2. Transfer the chicken into a resealable plastic bag, thoroughly massaging the brown sugar mixture to ensure complete coating. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare the homemade BBQ sauce by warming a small pan over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into the softened onions, stirring continuously. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, thickening for 10 minutes while developing rich, complex flavors.
5. Heat the grill to medium-high, creating optimal cooking conditions around 400-450°F for perfect chicken preparation.
6. Arrange marinated chicken on the hot grill grates, carefully brushing with prepared BBQ sauce every 2-3 minutes to build layers of flavor and create a glossy exterior.
7. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring consistent basting and monitoring internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F, guaranteeing juicy and fully cooked meat.
8. Remove from grill, letting chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices, then serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce on the side for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Marinate overnight to infuse deeper flavor into the chicken, allowing the brown sugar and spices to penetrate every fiber.
• Adjust the BBQ sauce heat level by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• For a healthier version, swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup and use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce to reduce overall sugar and salt content.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg