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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft a zesty blend of brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a cohesive paste by thoroughly mixing in a mixing bowl.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat the grill to medium-high, creating optimal cooking conditions around 400-450°F for perfect chicken preparation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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