Irresistible Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? This brown sugar BBQ chicken recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. With its sticky, caramelized glaze and juicy chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering brown sugar BBQ chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and the sugar has dissolved, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals for direct grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the marinade.
2. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the prepared BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve the chicken with additional BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy!

Cooking Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Tips

• Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will enhance the taste.
• Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce halfway through.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C).

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken: Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25g

Note:

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Storage Advice

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover brown sugar BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option.

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Variations

• Spicy Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
• Honey BBQ Chicken: Substitute honey for brown sugar in the marinade for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, marinating and grilling them the same way.

FAQ: Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken

1. Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken such as thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require more or less time to cook through.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, marinating overnight will yield even more flavorful results. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still enhance the taste.

3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. What can I serve with brown sugar BBQ chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with rice or mashed potatoes.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover brown sugar BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

6. Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the BBQ sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before using it on the chicken.

7. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This brown sugar BBQ chicken is great for meal prep. You can cook a batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade and BBQ sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

9. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) to mimic the flavor and moisture of brown sugar.

10. Can I add more spices to the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or herbs. Some great options include cumin, chili powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.

Conclusion

This brown sugar BBQ chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please. Don’t forget to share your results and variations with us!

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! What variations did you try? Share your thoughts in the comments below!