Family Barbecue Chicken
Juicy, flavorful barbecue chicken with a tangy vinegar-based marinade, perfect for outdoor grilling and family gatherings, offering a delicious smoky taste with each bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chickens in half.
- Clean and dry well.
- Combine salad oil or margarine, vinegar, water, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning in a saucepan.
- Heat just to boiling and set aside.
- Place chicken halves on the grill over gray coals.
- Brush with the sauce mixture every 5 minutes or as often as necessary to prevent burning.
- Cook until tender and the leg bone turns easily in the socket.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before grilling. If you're out of salad oil, you can substitute with olive oil or melted butter. For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper to the sauce. Ensure the grill is preheated for the best sear, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue chicken with classic sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a refreshing Chicken Macaroni Salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a light salad. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside baked beans or potato salad to round out your family barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat on the grill over medium heat, basting with leftover sauce to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 413 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of whole chickens. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will cook faster. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
How can I achieve a smoky flavor on my barbecue chicken?
To enhance the smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill. Soak the chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them on the coals or in a smoker box. This will infuse the chicken with a delicious smoky aroma while it cooks.
What can I do if I don't have a grill?
If you don't have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken halves in a baking dish. Brush with the sauce and bake for about 45 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).