Stove-Top BBQ Chicken: A Classic Comfort Recipe
Description
Discover the beloved flavors of a classic BBQ chicken recipe that brings nostalgia to the table. This Stove-Top BBQ Chicken is a cherished family favorite that was often prepared by my Mom. She usually cooked by instinct, but this particular recipe was inspired by a can of Hunts Tomato Sauce. It’s a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy, all cooked conveniently on the stove top. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 – 3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix of your choice)
- 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 cup tomato sauce with onion
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works well)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
Instructions
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Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated to enhance the flavor.
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Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown the chicken on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to develop a rich, flavorful crust on the chicken. After browning, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce with onion, water, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and an additional teaspoon of salt. Stir well to blend the ingredients together into a smooth sauce mixture.
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Simmer the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken pieces in the skillet. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid.
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Cook to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently for about 45 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken, and the chicken will become tender. Baste the chicken with the sauce occasionally to keep it moist and flavorful.
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Check for Doneness: After 45 minutes, check the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and tender. The meat should easily pull away from the bone, and the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If needed, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving dish. Spoon some of the delicious BBQ sauce from the skillet over the top of the chicken. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful BBQ chicken with your favorite side dishes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500.5
- Fat Content: 36.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 129.4mg
- Sodium Content: 1321.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 9.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 3.5g
- Protein Content: 33g
Tips
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences. More sugar will add sweetness, while more vinegar will enhance the tanginess of the sauce.
- Side Dishes: This BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.
This Stove-Top BBQ Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ without firing up the grill. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.