French Barbecue Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Cuisine: French

French Barbecue Chicken offers a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor profile with tender fried chicken, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • Southern fried chicken pieces
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Batter and fry chicken until brown or purchase already fried.
  2. Combine catsup, vinegar, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in sufficient quantities to cover the desired amount of fried chicken.
  3. Place the fried chicken in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered.
  5. Simmer for at least 1 hour.
  6. An additional hour of simmering is acceptable.
  7. Note that the chicken may fall off the bones when serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, consider marinating the fried chicken in the sauce for a few hours before simmering. If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the sugar or add more vinegar. You can substitute the catsup with homemade tomato sauce if desired. This recipe works well with both Southern fried chicken pieces and any leftover chicken from dishes like Craig'S Favorite Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French Barbecue Chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw or cornbread to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Dressing With Cornbread for a hearty meal. For extra crunch, add a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables alongside the chicken to complete the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 312 calories, with 10g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 814mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

312 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.8g 20% DV
Total Fat 17.7g 23% DV
Carbs 30g 11% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 2.5g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 813.7mg 35% DV
Potassium 418.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 49.2mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 23.9mg 27% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 86.6mg 7% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 frozen fried chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fried chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before simmering. This method allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while heating up, ensuring a delicious meal.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, place the fried chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over it, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

What can I serve with French Barbecue Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with homemade macaroni and cheese or a fresh cucumber salad to contrast the richness of the chicken. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Oven Baked Pecan-Crusted Chicken Fingers for a fun twist.

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).

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