southern bbq chicken recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
southern bbq chicken recipe
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The Best southern bbq chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Southern-style BBQ chicken recipe. This dish has been a staple in my family for years, and it’s always a hit at our gatherings. The rich, smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, and the whole family loves it.

I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one is by far the most delicious and easy to make. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. I like to serve it with a side of coleslaw or baked beans for a complete meal.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to taste the finished product. We’ve even served this dish at family reunions and potlucks, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Just throw everything in a slow cooker and let it cook all day while you’re busy with other tasks. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.

And the best part? It’s actually pretty healthy too! With lean chicken breast and plenty of veggies, this dish is a great option for those looking for a healthier meal option without sacrificing flavor.

Southern BBQ Chicken

Southern BBQ Chicken

4.8 from 1026 votes

This is a classic southern BBQ chicken recipe. You will get a tender, juicy chicken with a smoky and sweet flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to make the marinade.
2Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
4Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
6This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice sear.
7While the grill is heating, remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
8Discard the marinade.
9Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side.
10You will see grill marks and the chicken will be slightly charred.
11Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
12To make the BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan.
13Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14Use a basting brush to apply the sauce to the chicken.
15The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
16Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
17Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
18This will help the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Grill
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.

Watch Video Of How Southern BBQ Chicken Works

This Southern-style BBQ chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to reheat it.

You can also reheat it in individual portions for a quick and easy meal on-the-go. One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a side of roasted vegetables – simply toss your favorite veggies (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes) with some olive oil and seasonings before roasting them in the oven alongside the chicken.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern BBQ Chicken

Q: What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using a thick, sweet BBQ sauce like Kansas City-style or Carolina-style. You can also make your own BBQ sauce from scratch using ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts?

No, it’s best to use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe. The bones add flavor and moisture to the meat as it cooks.

Q: How long does the chicken need to cook?

The chicken should cook for at least 6 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat in your slow cooker.

Q: Can I serve this dish with sides other than coleslaw or baked beans?

Of course! This dish is versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, cornbread, or even mashed potatoes.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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