Quick Barbecue Chicken
Quick Barbecue Chicken offers tender fried chicken coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of garlic and black pepper. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it combines crispy texture with rich flavors, finished with a quick bake to lock in deliciousness and add a smoky glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put flour, salt, and cut-up chicken in a brown paper sack.
- Close the sack tightly and shake the chicken pieces well to coat evenly.
- Fry the chicken in hot shortening or oil until browned.
- Remove the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined platter to drain excess oil.
- Mix the barbecue sauce, picante sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Dip each hot fried chicken piece into the sauce mixture to coat.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a roasting pan.
- Leave the pan open and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier coating, consider double-dipping the chicken in the flour mixture. You can substitute the hickory smoke barbecue sauce with any other flavor you prefer, such as honey barbecue for a sweeter taste. Additionally, for a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. This recipe is a great way to enjoy classic American recipes with a quick prep time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue chicken with a side of Hot Cabbage Slaw for a refreshing crunch. Complement the meal with cornbread or a light salad to balance the richness of the chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with Chris' Dump Cake for a delightful dessert to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecue chicken can be stored 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. This ensures the chicken remains crispy and flavorful while avoiding the sogginess that can occur in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 623 calories, with 20g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chicken pieces other than fryer chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks instead of a whole fryer chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger pieces may require a bit longer to cook thoroughly.
What can I serve with barbecue chicken?
Barbecue chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Adding cornbread can also enhance the experience.
Can I make the barbecue sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! You can create a homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices to taste. This allows you to customize the flavor and sweetness level to your preference.
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).