Southern Barbecued Chicken

Southern Barbecued Chicken is a quintessential Texan dish that Revonda Stroud from Fort Worth, Texas, loves to prepare for outdoor grilling gatherings. This recipe showcases a “mystery marinade” that surprises guests with its simplicity—just vinegar and oil serve as the base for this delicious marinade.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the cider vinegar, canola oil, beaten egg, hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring often. Allow the marinade to cool.
2. Pour 1⅔ cups of the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. Seal the bag and turn it to coat the chicken. Refrigerate the bag overnight, turning the chicken occasionally. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade for basting.
3. Prepare the grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Drain and discard the marinade from the chicken. Place the chicken skin side down over the pan. Grill the chicken, covered, over indirect medium heat for 20-25 minutes on each side or until the juices run clear, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.

YIELD: 4 servings

PREP TIME: 25 minutes + marinating

COOK TIME: 40 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• It is essential to refrigerate the chicken in the marinade overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

TIPS:

• Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce according to your spice preference.
• Make sure to use indirect heat when grilling to ensure even cooking and to prevent flare-ups.

Southern Barbecued Chicken is a Texan favorite that captures the essence of outdoor grilling in Texas. Revonda Stroud from Fort Worth, Texas, surprises her guests with a flavorful “mystery marinade” consisting of vinegar and oil, which forms the basis for this delicious chicken dish.

Preparing this barbecue chicken is a breeze. The marinade combines cider vinegar, canola oil, beaten egg, hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. After simmering and cooling the marinade, pour a portion of it into a resealable plastic bag with the chicken, allowing it to marinate overnight for optimal flavor.

When it’s time to grill, set up your grill for indirect heat using a drip pan. Drain the marinade from the chicken and place the chicken pieces skin side down over the pan. Grill the chicken, covered, over indirect medium heat, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a tangy and peppery vinegar zing.

Barbecue sauce preferences vary throughout the South, with tomato-based, mustard-based, and vinegar-based options. This Southern Barbecued Chicken recipe showcases the vinegar-based style, which adds a delightful tanginess to the dish.

Gather your family and friends for a Texas-style outdoor grilling experience with this Southern Barbecued Chicken. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors and the aroma of the grill as you savor each juicy bite. Serve the chicken alongside traditional sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Embrace the spirit of Texas grilling with Southern Barbecued Chicken. Let the simple yet flavorful “mystery marinade” surprise and delight your taste buds, making this recipe a staple for your outdoor gatherings.