Maryland Oven Barbecued Chicken
Maryland Oven Barbecued Chicken features tender chicken glazed with a tangy, sweet tomato-based sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 frying chickens, cut into serving portions ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 20 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange the chicken in a baking pan.
- Mix the tomato paste, diced onion, vinegar, diced bell pepper, salt, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, Tabasco sauce, canned tomatoes, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 3 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika in the sauce. If you don't have fresh bell peppers, jarred roasted peppers can work as a substitute. To save time, consider marinating the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption. Also, you can use a mix of chicken parts, such as thighs or drumsticks, if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Maryland Oven Barbecued Chicken with classic sides like cornbread and coleslaw for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Navy Bean Soup for a comforting dinner. For a fresh touch, consider a side salad or grilled vegetables to balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maryland Oven Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 98 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1048mg per serving (46% 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 other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks instead of whole frying chickens. Adjust the cooking time if using smaller pieces, as they may cook faster. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I do if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can create a substitute using soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar, sugar, and a dash of hot sauce. This will mimic the umami and tangy flavor found in the original sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce in the recipe or include additional spices such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust to your heat preference while ensuring it complements the overall flavor of 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).