Description

Chef John’s Barbecue Chicken is a flavorful grilled dish with crispy skin and a sticky, sweet glaze. The careful application of barbecue sauce ensures a perfect, caramelized finish every time.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into halves

¼ cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ cup barbecue sauce (or as needed)

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Instructions

Cut 1/2-inch deep slashes in the skin-side of each chicken half: two cuts in each breast, two in each thigh, and one in each leg. Remove the wing tips.
Whisk rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, and garlic together in a large bowl.
Place the chicken halves in the bowl and turn to coat. Arrange chicken halves in the bowl with the cut sides down, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the chicken from the bowl, pat dry with paper towels, and discard any remaining marinade.
Place the chicken halves, skin-side up, on a plate and season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Cook the chicken, skin-side down, on the preheated grill until grill marks appear (about 3 to 4 minutes).
Turn the chicken over, close the grill lid, and cook, basting with remaining barbecue sauce every 6 minutes, until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear (about 35 minutes).
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve hot!

Notes

For a spicier barbecue chicken, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
Bone-in chicken pieces can be used for individual servings. Adjust cooking time as necessary.
For a smoky flavor, consider using a smoker or adding wood chips to your grill.
Vegetarians can try grilling portobello mushrooms or cauliflower, seasoned the same way.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 140mg