While the chicken was barbecuing, a deep and smoky scratch-made BBQ sauce was made. This was quite easy and surprisingly fast, but did require a lot of ingredients. So I’ll give you the scratch way – and also an even faster 3 ingredient way.
Difference between BBQ Chicken and Grilled Chicken
Grilled Chicken (usually boneless, skinless breasts) is typically grilled hot and fast. In contrast, BBQ chicken, (usually thighs, legs and wings, skin-on and bone-in) if done well, will take at least an hour or two on the grill, because it needs to be cooked on a lower heat, to get the meat tender.
Remember: Barbecuing is low and slow. Grilling is hot and fast.
Expert Tips:
The secret to good BBQ chicken, is to moderate the heat, however possible. If using coals, set them on the side of the grill so you have a cool spot, or try putting the chicken on the upper rack of the grill. If you have a gas grill, turn the heat down to medium-low or low, after the initial hot sear.
Slow and steady makes the best BBQ chicken.
While the chicken cooks low and slow on the grill, make the flavorful BBQ Sauce!
Homemade Chipotle BBQ Sauce Ingredeints:
- onion
- garlic cloves
- olive oil
- butter
- tomato paste
- whiskey or bourbon- optional
- ketchup
- Canned chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
- Worcestershire
- balsamic vinegar
- honey
- molasses
- soy sauce
- water
- cracked pepper
What to serve with grilled BBQ Chicken:
- Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
- Mexican Slaw with Cilantro and Lime
- Mexican Papaya Salad
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Mexican Pinto Beans
Grilled BBQ Chicken with Chipotle BBQ Sauce
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 80 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Chicken, main, Grilled
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Southwest
Description
Grilled BBQ Chicken with Chipotle, smoky, spicy and sweet, cooked low and slow on the barbecue, with a scratch-made Chipotle BBQ sauce (and a quick “cheater” version).
Ingredients
- 12 pieces skin-on, bone-in Chicken (thighs and legs work best)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 smashed garlic cloves
- 2 T oil
- 2 T butter
- 1/4 C tomato paste
- 1/3 C whiskey or bourbon
- 1 Cup ketchup
- 1 small can Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce ( use 2 peppers, 3 Tablespoons adobo sauce)
- 3 T Worcestershire
- 2 T balsamic
- 1/2 C honey
- 3 T molasses
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- cracked pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat Grill to High heat and grease.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Lay the chicken, skin sides down on a hot grill for a 5-7 minutes, turning as needed to give all the skin a good sear, being careful not to burn. Once you have a good sear, lower the heat or move pieces to a cooler spot on the grill, or turn grill to medium-low or low heat. Cover and let cook for 20 minutes.
- Make the BBQ SAUCE : (See notes for fast “cheater” version) In a medium pot, saute diced onion and smashed garlic in oil and butter on medium high heat until tender. Add tomato paste and stir constantly, frying in the oil, about 2 minutes. De-glaze with whiskey. Simmer for 1 minute, add the remaining ingredients -ketchup, chipotles and adobo sauce, Worcestershire, balsamic, molasses, soy sauce, honey, cracked pepper and water. Simmer on low for 10 minutes. Blend with an immersion blender or in a blender (careful to cover blender lid with a towel, and hold lid down firmly while starting on lowest speed- to prevent a blender explosion that occurs with hot liquids). Return to pot, cover, and keep on low heat until ready to use. Taste, adjust salt, heat and sweetness to your personal preference.
- Check the chicken, turn over and baste them with BBQ sauce, cover and grill for 20 more minutes. Turn over and baste other side with BBQ sauce, covering for another 20-30 minutes or until thigh registers 170 F. Turn grill up to high and give skin side one last hot sear to crisp them up. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
Keywords: grilled bbq chicken, BBQ Chicken, BBQ chicken recipes, barbecue chicken, Chipotle BBQ Chicken, Chipotle chicken recipe, chipote bbq recipes, barbecue chicken,
This has become a staple in the summer. Love the smoky sweet flavor. Always a huge hit.
★★★★★
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Wow! I have been looking for a BBQ sauce recipe, an I just happen to have all this in my pantry – sold!
Sounds very yummy! Think I will have to feed my all male family of 5 this.
That look so yummy! Can’t wait to try it!