Grandma'S Barbecue Chicken
Grandma's Barbecue Chicken offers tender, flavorful meat coated in a tangy, smoky sauce with a hint of heat, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 thick slice lemon ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix vinegar, water, sugar, prepared mustard, pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, lemon slice, chopped onion, butter, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a saucepan.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, then add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Salt and pepper the cut-up chicken pieces.
- Place the chicken in a shallow pan.
- Pour about half of the sauce over the chicken and place in a 375°F oven.
- Bake until the chicken is tender and brown, basting occasionally with the remaining sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. If you don't have liquid smoke, you can substitute with smoked paprika for a similar flavor. If you're short on time, using store-bought barbecue sauce can work in a pinch, but be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly. This recipe is also adaptable for baked chicken, making it very crispy and easy to make.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's barbecue chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Spinach Dip For Chips as an appetizer. For a refreshing touch, add a side of grilled vegetables or a green salad to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to retain moisture, then warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 187 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1240mg per serving (54% 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?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for more flavor, or boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cooking time. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes! You can reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with honey or a sugar alternative. Using skinless chicken can also reduce the fat content, and adding more vegetables as sides can enhance the nutritional value of the meal.
What can I do if I don't have vinegar?
If you're out of vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, you could use a splash of white wine or even a bit of Worcestershire sauce to maintain the balance of flavors in the sauce.
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).