BBQ Chicken

Now I have to admit that I really only do the preparation of this dish and then hand the chicken to my wonderful husband who has grilling down to an art. I guess that's one of the ways that I have made the month of home cooking easier in my house I have recruited his help, especially at the weekends.

The key to the delicious taste of this chicken is the rub and letting the chicken cure. If we are doing this for dinner I usually do the preparation in the morning and leave it in the fridge all day. Just make sure you give it at least an hour. And I've put 2 leg quarters and 2 chicken breast as an recommendation but go with whatever your family likes. You can even butterfly a whole chicken and cook it which is equally delicious.

BBQ Chicken

Ingredients:

2 chicken leg quarters

2 bone in chicken breast

1 ½ tsp coarse salt (kosher or sea)

1 ½ tsp sweet paprika

1 ½ tsp brown sugar

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp celery seed

2 cup of Barbecue Sauce (I use Kraft Hickory BBQ Sauce)

1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken.

2. In a bowl mix together salt, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and celery seed. Use your fingers or whisk.

3. Cover the chicken with the rub and place in an air tight container and put it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

4. Hand the chicken to your husband and wait patiently!

5. If step 4 isn't an option, place the chicken skin side up away from the direct flame on the grill. Cover the grill and grill the chicken until cooked through, 30 to 45 minutes. To test for doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part of a thigh but not so that it touches the bone. The internal temperature should be about 180 degrees F. 

6. After the first 15 minutes of grilling, using a barbecue mop or basting brush, baste the chicken with the sauce every 10 minutes while it cooks. Be sure to baste both sides of the chicken halves.

7. For the last few minutes move the chicken pieces directly over the fire to sizzle and brown the sauce on both sides.

8. Transfer the grilled chicken halves to a platter or plates and let rest for  3 minutes. Serve the chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.

To make a meal serve with baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw and twice baked potatoes.

Happy Home Cooking!