Sloppy Mess Barbecue Chicken
This recipe for Sloppy Mess Barbecue Chicken will undoubtedly elevate your gatherings, combining the juiciness of chicken thighs and drumsticks with a rich and flavorful marinade that brings a delightful twist to your classic barbecue. The unique addition of sherry lends a depth of flavor that your friends will rave about. So gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and prepare for a deliciously messy culinary experience that is as enjoyable to eat as it is to make!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 3 – 4 |
| Chicken drumsticks | 1 1/2 |
| Dry sherry | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 3 teaspoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| White vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 757.9 |
| Total Fat | 21.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 145.3 mg |
| Sodium | 571.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 24.4 g |
| Protein | 49.2 g |
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken thighs and drumsticks into a large ziplock bag. This will serve as your marinating vessel.
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Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry sherry, chopped onion, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. This aromatic mixture will impart a wonderful flavor to the chicken.
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Combine: Pour the marinade over the chicken in the ziplock bag, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag tightly, expelling as much air as possible.
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Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Remember to flip the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.
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Prepare for Grilling: When you are ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade and drain it, but be sure to reserve the marinade for the sauce. Cover the marinated chicken and chill it until it’s time to grill.
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Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the reserved marinade, tomato puree, honey, molasses, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
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Simmer the Sauce: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce reduces down to approximately 2 cups. This concentrated flavor will complement your chicken beautifully. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the white vinegar.
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Grilling Setup: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Ensure it is adequately heated to achieve a perfect sear on the chicken.
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Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill, bone side down. Cover the grill and cook the chicken for 50 to 60 minutes, or until it is tender and the juices run clear. During the last 15 minutes of grilling, brush some of the prepared sauce over the chicken to enhance its flavor and create a sticky, caramelized finish.
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Serving: Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, reheat the remaining sauce and serve it alongside the chicken. Your guests will appreciate having extra sauce for drizzling over their portions.
Conclusion
Gather around the table, relish the robust flavors of Sloppy Mess Barbecue Chicken, and enjoy the delightful mess that comes with it. This dish is more than just food; it’s an experience that encourages laughter and camaraderie among friends and family. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your summer barbecues and backyard cookouts. Enjoy!
