Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Southern

Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 4 chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Combine tomato soup, honey, dry mustard, and onion powder to make the sauce.
  2. Arrange chicken breasts, bone side up, on a rack in a broiler pan.
  3. Brush the chicken with the sauce.
  4. Broil 6 inches from heat for 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear, turning once and brushing often with sauce during cooking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce. If you don't have honey, maple syrup can serve as a great substitute. Make sure to monitor the chicken closely while broiling to avoid burning; the key is to turn it regularly and baste frequently. For a twist, consider using Cream Of Mushroom Soup(1 Cup) in your sauce for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecue chicken with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, consider turning leftovers into a Chicken That Makes Its Own Gravy dish, serving it over rice or mashed potatoes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 502 calories, with 22g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value).

502 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22g 44% DV
Total Fat 9.3g 12% DV
Carbs 88.5g 32% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 82.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 72.8mg 3% DV
Potassium 348.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 64mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 46mg 4% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat

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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?

Yes, skin-on chicken will add extra flavor and moisture. Just be mindful that the skin can crisp up quickly under the broiler, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for tomato soup?

If you don't have tomato soup, you can blend canned tomatoes or use barbecue sauce as an alternative. This will change the flavor profile slightly but will still yield delicious results.

How do I know when chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure doneness without overcooking.

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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