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Kentucky-Style Tangy Oven-Barbecued Chicken Recipe

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Kentucky-Style Oven Barbecued Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared chicken dish, this Kentucky-Style Oven Barbecued Chicken is a gem. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for special occasions, this recipe promises tender, juicy chicken coated in a tangy, savory sauce that’s a delightful fusion of butter, vinegar, and spices. This dish is both satisfying and versatile, easily paired with simple sides like rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe Details

  • Name: Kentucky-Style Oven Barbecued Chicken
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Description: Make and share this Kentucky-Style Oven Barbecued Chicken recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
  • Category: Chicken
  • Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
  • Servings: 4
  • Rating: 5 stars
  • Review Count: 11
  • Calories: 633.4 per serving
  • Fat Content: 48g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 17.7g
  • Cholesterol Content: 211.6mg
  • Sodium Content: 875.5mg
  • Carbohydrate Content: 1.6g
  • Fiber Content: 0.2g
  • Sugar Content: 0.6g
  • Protein Content: 45.2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (about 4 servings)
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Let’s get started with this simple, yet delicious Kentucky-style chicken recipe:

  1. Melt the Butter:

    • In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. The butter will lend richness to the chicken and form the base of the sauce.
  2. Brown the Chicken:

    • Add 3 1/2 pounds of chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown the chicken on all sides, ensuring a golden crust forms. This step locks in the juices and builds flavor.
  3. Remove Chicken:

    • Carefully remove the browned chicken from the skillet, placing it aside on a plate. Reserve the drippings in the skillet; they’re essential for creating a flavorful sauce.
  4. Prepare the Sauce:

    • Add 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the reserved drippings in the skillet. Stir well to loosen the browned particles that cling to the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
  5. Combine and Bake:

    • Place the browned chicken pieces into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Pour the sauce from the skillet over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are well coated.
  6. Bake Covered:

    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks through and remains moist.
  7. Bake Uncovered:

    • After 45 minutes, uncover the baking dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to develop a lovely glaze.
  8. Serve:

    • Serve the Kentucky-Style Oven Barbecued Chicken over cooked rice. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce, making each bite a savory delight.

Tips for the Perfect Barbecued Chicken

  1. Chicken Choice: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, and breasts. The bone-in variety retains moisture better during baking, resulting in juicier chicken.

  2. Brown Thoroughly: Don’t rush the browning process. A good sear locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust that enhances the final dish.

  3. Reserve Drippings: The drippings left after browning the chicken are packed with flavor. Be sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet when preparing the sauce.

  4. Adjust Spice Level: The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

  5. Serving Suggestions: While rice is a classic accompaniment, this dish also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a simple green salad.

  6. Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much upon cooling.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a detailed look at the nutritional profile per serving of this delectable dish:

  • Calories: 633.4
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 17.7g
  • Cholesterol: 211.6mg
  • Sodium: 875.5mg
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Sugars: 0.6g
  • Protein: 45.2g

This recipe provides a balanced nutritional profile, with a high protein content to satisfy hunger and support muscle repair, ample fats for flavor and satiety, and minimal carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

Exploring Variations

For those looking to experiment, here are some variations to try:

  1. Smoky BBQ Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor reminiscent of outdoor barbecues.

  2. Sweet and Spicy: Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar into the sauce for a sweet contrast to the spicy cayenne.

  3. Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic touch.

  4. Tangy Zing: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the chicken just before serving for a fresh, tangy finish.

  5. Garlic Lover’s Option: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the sauce for an extra layer of savory depth.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken pieces?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but note that the skin adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. Skinless chicken may cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier.

Is there a substitute for white vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes, providing a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking.

What can I do with the leftovers?
Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. The flavorful sauce makes a great base for soups or stews.

Final Thoughts

This Kentucky-Style Oven Barbecued Chicken is a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tangy vinegar, rich butter, and a touch of heat creates a sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or looking to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it with a side of rice or your favorite vegetables for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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