Scrumptous Barbecued Chicken

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A flavorful barbecue chicken dish featuring tender chicken in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 to 3 lb. chicken, cut up
  • 1/4 cup salad oil
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown chicken slowly in salad oil.
  2. Remove chicken from pan.
  3. Add sliced onions to the pan and cook until tender.
  4. Add chopped celery and cook until tender.
  5. Add remaining ingredients: catsup, water, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes and skim off the excess fat.
  7. Place the browned chicken in a 11 x 7 x 1.5-inch baking dish.
  8. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  9. Bake uncovered in a slow oven at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky taste. If you like your sauce spicier, consider adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

This scrumptious barbecued chicken pairs perfectly with coleslaw or cornbread for a classic meal. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. Consider making a side of baked beans or corn on the cob to complete the feast. For more chicken inspiration, check out American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecued chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a little sauce and cover with foil. Heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help keep the chicken moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Scrumptous Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 530 calories, with 3g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

530 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 37.1g 48% DV
Carbs 49g 18% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 39.3g 79% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1429.2mg 62% DV
Potassium 440.6mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 118.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 104.1mg 8% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but cooking times may vary. Monitor the chicken closely to ensure it doesn't dry out. Boneless thighs or breasts will cook faster than bone-in pieces, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for catsup?

If you don't have catsup, you can use tomato sauce or a mix of tomato paste with a bit of sugar to achieve a similar sweetness and consistency. You might also try barbecue sauce for an alternative flavor profile.

Is it possible to grill this chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely! After browning the chicken, you can grill it over medium heat. Baste with the sauce during grilling for added flavor. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked.

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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