Stove Top Barbecue Chicken

Cook: 50 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful stovetop barbecue chicken dish featuring a tangy sauce with onions, vinegar, and spices, perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup catsup
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 4 tsp white vinegar
  • 4 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed celery seed
  • 2 lb chicken pieces

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a skillet.
  2. Saute onion until tender.
  3. Stir in catsup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and celery seed.
  4. Bring sauce to a boil.
  5. Add chicken to skillet.
  6. Spoon sauce over the chicken pieces.
  7. Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
  8. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  9. Turn chicken pieces and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes longer.
  10. Can cool and freeze for a quick meal.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a slightly different tang. If you're out of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can work as alternatives. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecue chicken with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a classic American meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad. For a quick meal prep, make a batch and use it in sandwiches or atop salads, reminiscent of My Own Famous Chicken Salad(Formerly A Secret Recipe).

Storage & Reheating

Allow the leftover barbecue chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, and cover until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stove Top Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 348 calories, with 3g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

348 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 77.5g 28% DV
Fiber 5.7g 20% DV
Sugar 62.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 772.6mg 34% DV
Potassium 536mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 227.3mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 2.6mg 3% DV
Calcium 123.2mg 9% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust cooking times as boneless pieces generally cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

What can I use instead of catsup?

If you're out of catsup, barbecue sauce or a mix of tomato paste with a bit of sugar and vinegar can be a good substitute. This will slightly alter the flavor but still provide a delicious sauce.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven?

Certainly! Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the chicken pieces in a baking dish, pour the sauce over them, and cover with foil. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, basting occasionally, until cooked through.

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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