Texas Barbecue Chicken
Tender, flavorful Texas barbecue chicken with a smoky, tangy sauce, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, showcasing bold Southern flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1 large onion
- 1 can whole tomatoes, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 4-pound stewing chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 8 cups water ⓘ
- 4 stalks celery with leaves ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, cut up ⓘ
- 2 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 slices white bread, torn ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter ⓘ
- 4 whole cloves ⓘ
- 3 whole black peppercorns ⓘ
- 1/2-inch stick cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in a Dutch oven and add water.
- Add celery, sliced carrot, onion, parsley, bouillon granules, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken pieces and place them in a 2-quart casserole.
- Strain the broth and skim off the fat.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the broth for the sauce and refrigerate the remaining broth for another use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the broth. If you don't have whole tomatoes, diced canned tomatoes can work as a substitute. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more Worcestershire sauce or mustard. For a spicier kick, include some chopped jalapeños. This Texas Barbecue Chicken recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Barbecue Chicken over a bed of rice or with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier option, serve alongside the Garden Club Chicken Casserole. Drizzle additional sauce over the chicken before serving for extra flavor and moisture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a covered dish in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of the reserved broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 908 calories, with 47g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (246% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1556mg per serving (68% 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, but keep in mind that it may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is tender, and monitor it closely to avoid overcooking. Boneless chicken is great for quicker meals, but traditional cuts often yield richer flavor.
What can I substitute for celery in this recipe?
If you don't have celery, you can use diced bell peppers or fennel for a similar texture and flavor profile. Carrots are also a good alternative if you're looking to keep the dish sweet and savory. Adjust the quantity to match your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh jalapeños into the broth. You can also use a spicier variety of tomatoes, such as those with green chilies, or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Remember to add heat gradually to maintain balance.
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).