Memphis-Style Smoky Barbecue Chicken
Experience the rich flavors of Memphis with this delicious Smoky Barbecue Chicken recipe, inspired by the Neely family's famous BBQ techniques. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, family picnics, or simply a cozy dinner at home. The chicken is marinated in a zesty Italian dressing infused with Neely's signature barbecue seasoning, which enhances the flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Whether you choose to grill it outdoors or slow-roast in your oven, you'll be rewarded with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a savory, smoky flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Ready to impress your guests? Let's dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish!
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
27
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chickens, halved lengthwise
2 (Rinse and pat dry)
Italian dressing
1.5 cups (Homemade or store-bought)
Neely's barbecue seasoning
1/4 cup (Homemade or store-bought)
Neely's barbecue sauce
1 cup (Homemade or store-bought)
Ground mustard
2 tablespoons (Dry)
Garlic cloves, smashed
2 (Fresh)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (Optional)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated)
Red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (Liquid)
Canola oil
1 cup (Liquid)
Salt
To taste (Adjust to preference)
Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Paprika
1.5 cups (Dry)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
Onion powder
3.75 tablespoons (Dry)
Ketchup
2 cups (Condiment)
Water
1 cup (Liquid)
Apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (Liquid)
Light brown sugar
5 tablespoons (Granulated)
Sugar
5 tablespoons (Granulated)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon (Freshly ground)
Onion powder
1/2 tablespoon (Dry)
Ground mustard
1/2 tablespoon (Dry)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Fresh)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (Liquid)
Instructions
1
Rinse the chicken halves in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large bowl or baking dish.
2
Coat the chicken evenly with Italian dressing and sprinkle with Neely's Barbecue Seasoning. For optimal flavor, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
3
If cooking inside, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the chicken with Neely's Barbecue Sauce and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until fully cooked.
4
If grilling outside, remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your grill to a medium heat of about 275°F (135°C) over a combination of hickory and charcoal.
5
Place the chicken halves on the grill, meat side down, and cover. Grill for about 50 minutes, then flip the chicken to the skin side and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, basting with Neely's Barbecue Sauce during the last 5 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and tender enough for the meat to pull away at the joints.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Memphis-Style Smoky Barbecue Chicken?
It is a flavorful chicken dish inspired by the Neely family's BBQ techniques, featuring a zesty Italian dressing marinade and smoky seasoning, perfect for summer gatherings.
How many chickens are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 whole chickens, halved lengthwise.
What is the recommended marinating time for the chicken?
For optimal flavor, you should marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
How do I prepare the chicken before seasoning it?
Rinse the chicken halves in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels before placing them in a bowl or baking dish.
What is used to coat the chicken during the marinating phase?
The chicken is coated evenly with Italian dressing and sprinkled with Neely's Barbecue Seasoning.
Can I cook this chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until fully cooked, brushing with barbecue sauce before starting.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to a medium heat of about 275°F (135°C).
What fuel source is recommended for grilling?
The recipe recommends using a combination of hickory and charcoal to achieve a smoky flavor.
Should the chicken be cold when put on the grill?
No, remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Which side of the chicken should be grilled first?
Place the chicken halves on the grill meat-side down first.
How long do I grill the meat side of the chicken?
Grill the chicken halves meat-side down for about 50 minutes while covered.
How long should the skin side of the chicken be cooked?
After flipping from the meat side, continue cooking the skin side for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
When should I apply the barbecue sauce on the grill?
Baste the chicken with the barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
How do I know when the barbecue chicken is done?
The chicken should be golden brown and tender enough for the meat to pull away easily at the joints.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes enough for 6 to 8 servings.
What ingredients make up the Italian dressing component?
It consists of canola oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dry ground mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and dried oregano.
What spices are included in Neely's barbecue seasoning?
The seasoning includes paprika, sugar, and onion powder.
What is in the barbecue sauce recipe?
The sauce contains ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, black pepper, onion powder, ground mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Is there a spicy kick to this chicken?
Yes, crushed red pepper flakes are included in the Italian dressing for an optional touch of heat.
Can I use store-bought dressing and sauce?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought Italian dressing, barbecue seasoning, and barbecue sauce.
What type of vinegar is used in the Italian dressing?
Red wine vinegar is the specified liquid for the Italian dressing.
What type of vinegar is used in the barbecue sauce?
Apple cider vinegar is used for the barbecue sauce.
Does the recipe use brown sugar?
Yes, light brown sugar is a key ingredient in the barbecue sauce.
What kind of oil is recommended for the marinade?
Canola oil is the recommended liquid oil for the dressing.
Are the garlic cloves prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 smashed fresh garlic cloves.
What role does the paprika play in this recipe?
Paprika is the primary spice used in the barbecue seasoning, providing color and flavor.
Is lemon juice used in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is added to the barbecue sauce.
Should the grill be covered while cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify to cover the grill while cooking the chicken halves.
How is the smoky flavor achieved?
The smoky flavor is created by grilling the chicken over a combination of hickory wood and charcoal.
What is the total count of ingredients used in this recipe?
The recipe utilizes a total of 27 ingredients across the chicken, dressing, seasoning, and sauce components.