Ultimate BBQ Chicken
Recipe Summary:
This recipe for Ultimate BBQ Chicken, originating from Fine Cooking Issue #39 and crafted by the BBQ genius Paul Kirk, promises to transform your BBQ game. With a cooking time of approximately 3 hours and a prep time of just 10 minutes, this dish yields succulent chicken drenched in a flavorful sauce, earning a perfect rating of 5 stars from 35 reviews. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is your ticket to BBQ perfection.
Ingredients:
- For the Spice Rub:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 chicken parts (about 7-8 pieces)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1005.2
- Fat Content: 48.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 13.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 308.4mg
- Sodium Content: 1018mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 41.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.7g
- Sugar Content: 37.1g
- Protein Content: 97.5g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Rub:
- In a bowl, thoroughly mix all the spice rub ingredients until well combined.
- Store the rub in an airtight container until ready to use.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. (Be cautious as it may splatter.)
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once done, allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a tightly-lidded jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for months.
-
Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Generously sprinkle the spice rub over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Preheat your BBQ grill (gas or charcoal) to a high temperature. If desired, add hickory or apple chips for extra flavor.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken pieces skin-side up on the grill. For charcoal grills, position the chicken opposite the coals; for gas grills, turn off one side and place the chicken on the unlit side.
- Cover the grill with the lid and cook the chicken for about 30 minutes, maintaining an internal temperature of 230-250 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust the vents as needed to regulate the temperature.
- After 30 minutes, baste the chicken with apple juice.
- Continue cooking and basting the chicken until it is done, which typically takes about 3 hours. Resist the urge to increase the heat; patience is key.
- Baste the chicken every half hour with more apple juice.
- Check for doneness at the 2 1/2 hour mark. Once cooked through, baste each piece with the prepared sauce and let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to adhere to the chicken.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the BBQ chicken with extra sauce on the side.
- Be prepared for applause as you relish in the deliciousness of your perfectly cooked BBQ chicken.
- Note: If grilling isn’t feasible, the chicken can be baked in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit on a rack set over a foil-lined sheet pan.
Cook’s Notes:
- For those craving BBQ chicken year-round, this recipe can be adapted for oven cooking during colder months.
- Resist the temptation to crank up the heat during cooking; low and slow is the key to tender, flavorful chicken.
- Feel free to customize the spice rub and sauce according to your taste preferences, adding more or less heat as desired.
Unlock the secrets to irresistible BBQ chicken with this foolproof recipe from the master himself, Paul Kirk. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Ultimate BBQ Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, earning you accolades as the BBQ champion among family and friends.
