Stove Top Barbecued Chicken
A flavorful stovetop barbecue chicken with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings, offering rich comfort food flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring until softened.
- Stir in the ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and celery seed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the chicken to the skillet, placing the skin side down, and spoon the sauce over the pieces.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Uncover, turn the chicken, and cook for another 15 minutes or until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce works in a pinch. For a healthier version, use skinless chicken and opt for a low-sugar ketchup to make this a great option for American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued chicken with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic pairing. It also goes well with baked beans or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. This dish pairs beautifully with Banana Berry Punch for a refreshing drink to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecued chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stove Top Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 212 calories, with 3g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 492mg per serving (21% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used; however, reduce the cooking time to prevent it from drying out. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which may take about 20-25 minutes instead of the full 45 minutes.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, like thighs or drumsticks, work best for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender during cooking. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer; just be mindful of the cooking time.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently when you're ready to serve. This is a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.
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).