Zesty Southern Barbecue Chicken with Signature Sauce
Inspired by traditional Southern cooking, this Zesty Southern Barbecue Chicken recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With a perfect blend of spices in the homemade seasoning mix, every bite bursts with flavor. Paired with a tangy signature sauce that adds an extra layer of deliciousness, this dish is ideal for gatherings, summer barbecues, and family dinners. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare any night of the week! Keep a jar of the seasoning mix on hand for quick flavor upgrades to your favorite meats and vegetables.
N/A
Servings
292
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher salt
2 1/2-3 tablespoons (Coarse grain for seasoning)
Onion powder
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
Black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
Garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Ketchup
2 cups
Brown sugar
3 tablespoons (Packed)
Orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons (Thawed)
Instant minced onion
2 tablespoons (Dried)
Reserved Spicy Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon
Liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon
Broiler-fryer chickens
2 (2 to 3 pounds each) (Cut up)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For rubbing)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients to create the Spicy Seasoning Mix, ensuring you reserve 1 tablespoon for the Secret Barbecue Sauce.
2
In another bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth, then set aside.
3
Rinse each chicken piece under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle vegetable oil over the chickens, and rub it evenly to coat.
4
Generously sprinkle the Spicy Seasoning Mix on all sides of the chicken, making sure to get into any crevices for maximum flavor.
5
Prepare your grill for medium heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down on the grill and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
6
After 20 minutes, turn the chicken and continue grilling for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and the juices run clear.
7
During the last 10 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken with the prepared sauce, ensuring even coverage for a delicious glaze.
Nutrition Information
17
Fat
13
Carbs
23
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southern Barbecue Chicken?
It is a Southern-inspired dish featuring chicken seasoned with a spicy homemade rub and glazed with a tangy signature barbecue sauce.
What makes the seasoning mix spicy?
The spiciness comes from a blend of chili powder, black pepper, white pepper, and ground red pepper.
How many chickens do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 broiler-fryer chickens, weighing approximately 2 to 3 pounds each, cut into pieces.
What is the main base of the signature sauce?
The signature sauce is primarily based on 2 cups of ketchup combined with brown sugar and other seasonings.
How do I prepare the chicken before seasoning?
Rinse each piece under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and rub with vegetable oil.
How long should I cook the chicken skin-side down?
The chicken should be cooked skin-side down on the grill for the first 20 minutes.
When do I apply the barbecue sauce?
Brush the chicken generously with the sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
Can I use this seasoning for other meats?
Yes, the seasoning mix can be used as a quick flavor upgrade for your favorite meats and vegetables.
What is the total grilling time for this chicken?
The total grilling time is between 40 to 50 minutes.
Is the sugar in the seasoning mix required?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in the Spicy Seasoning Mix is optional.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 292 calories.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of coarse-grain Kosher salt.
Does this recipe use liquid smoke?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke is added to the signature sauce for a smoky flavor.
What are the main spices in the rub?
The rub includes onion powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, white pepper, turmeric, and ground red pepper.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as simple enough to prepare any night of the week and is family-friendly.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 23 grams of protein.
What is the role of orange juice concentrate in the sauce?
It provides a tangy and citrusy flavor profile to the signature barbecue sauce.
Should the grill be on high or medium heat?
The grill should be prepared for medium heat.
Can I use dried minced onion?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of dried instant minced onion.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
You need 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to rub over the chicken pieces.
What types of chicken pieces are used?
The recipe uses two broiler-fryer chickens that have been cut up into pieces.
Is the chicken cooked covered or uncovered?
The instructions specify to cook the chicken uncovered for the first 20 minutes.
What should the juices look like when the chicken is done?
The juices should run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 18 ingredients listed for the seasoning, sauce, and chicken.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is ideal for summer barbecues, gatherings, and family dinners.
Should I reserve any seasoning for the sauce?
Yes, you should reserve 1 tablespoon of the Spicy Seasoning Mix to whisk into the Secret Barbecue Sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include barbecue, chicken, grilling, southern, spicy, rub, ketchup, orange juice, easy recipe, and family friendly.
How do I ensure the flavor gets into the chicken?
Generously sprinkle the seasoning on all sides, making sure to get into any crevices.