Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on pieces that provide rich flavor and moisture.

Bbq sauce: A tangy, smoky sauce that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken and help it crisp up on the grill.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the seasoning.

When grilling chicken thighs, ensure you maintain a consistent medium-high heat on your grill. This helps to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. To avoid flare-ups, trim any excess fat from the chicken before grilling. Additionally, when basting with bbq sauce, use a clean brush to prevent cross-contamination and ensure even coating.

• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, making them a healthier and quicker option.

• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Substitute with pork chops: Pork chops provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for a different meat option.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the chicken similarly to BBQ sauce.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard sauce provides a tangy and sweet flavor that can be a delightful twist on traditional BBQ chicken.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that works well for cooking and has a similar smoke point to olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt, offering a slightly different texture and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile that can add a unique twist.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and spice, making the dish spicier and more flavorful.

• Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy skin and bacterial growth.
• Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Store the wrapped or containerized chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This ensures it stays fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is heated through and safe to eat.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat. This method can help restore some of the original grilled texture and flavor.
• If you have leftover bbq sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used to baste the chicken during reheating or as a dipping sauce.
• Avoid reheating the chicken multiple times, as this can dry it out and reduce its quality. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the chicken with another piece of foil to keep it moist. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy skin, use a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is heated through.

• For a smoky flavor, reheat on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

• Use a steamer for a moist reheating method. Place the chicken thighs in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken thighs, providing that classic BBQ flavor and char.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine olive oil, salt, and black pepper for the rub.

• Tongs: Essential for turning the chicken thighs on the grill without piercing the meat.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce to the chicken while grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

• Cutting board: A surface to let the chicken rest after grilling.

• Knife: Used to check the doneness of the chicken if you don't have a meat thermometer.

• Serving platter: For presenting the grilled chicken thighs once they are ready to serve.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture the night before and marinate the chicken thighs overnight to save time on the day of grilling.

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without constant checking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.

Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare the chicken to save time.

Batch cook: Grill extra chicken thighs and store them for quick meals throughout the week.

Simplify basting: Use a silicone brush for easy and quick basting with bbq sauce.