Carolina BBQ Chicken is a tangy, flavorful twist on classic barbecue chicken, inspired by the bold flavors of the Carolinas. This recipe features a mustard-based BBQ sauce, which is a staple in South Carolina cuisine, blending the sharpness of yellow mustard with the sweetness of brown sugar and a touch of vinegar for a perfectly balanced sauce. The chicken is marinated, grilled, and basted with the sauce until it’s tender, juicy, and infused with that signature Carolina tang. Perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor cooking, this dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a true Southern meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Make the Carolina BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the sauce for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining Carolina BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire for both direct and indirect grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess sauce. Brush the chicken with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill over direct heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Move the chicken to indirect heat, cover the grill, and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste the Chicken: During the last 10 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved Carolina BBQ sauce, flipping and basting both sides.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and glazed with the sauce, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, with extra Carolina BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
This Carolina BBQ Chicken delivers a mouthwatering combination of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that will be a hit at any barbecue!
