Best Easy Carolina BBQ Chicken Recipe

Tangy Carolina BBQ chicken basted with vinegar-based sauce is a high protein, family-friendly regional classic. This Southern chicken dish delivers bright, bold flavors straight from the Carolinas.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 285 kcal
#high protein #family meal #southern classic #regional BBQ
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 2 lbs
  • canola oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • apple cider vinegar 0.5 cup
  • yellow mustard 2 tbsp
  • brown sugar 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp
  • hot sauce 2 tsp
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 13%
Protein 29 g 41%
Fat 13 g 46%
Serving size 175g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F) and brush grates with canola oil to prevent sticking.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

  3. 3

    Pat chicken thighs dry and place them skin-side down on the grill. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, maintaining steady heat.

  4. 4

    Flip chicken thighs and brush generously with the Carolina BBQ sauce. Grill for another 10 minutes, basting every 3 minutes for deep flavor and moisture retention.

  5. 5

    Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is crisp. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star of this Carolina BBQ Chicken recipe. Their rich flavor and juicy texture pair perfectly with the tangy vinegar-based sauce, which also highlights apple cider vinegar as a defining component.
Q. How should I control heat while grilling the chicken?
Maintaining a steady medium heat (about 350°F) is essential. Grill the chicken covered, and flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. Basting frequently with the sauce keeps the chicken moist and prevents burning.
Q. How do I make sure the chicken is juicy and not dry?
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. Basting as directed helps lock in moisture, and monitoring the internal temperature (targeting 165°F) prevents overcooking or drying out.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein content per serving?
Each serving delivers about 285 kcal, with 29g protein—making it a high protein meal, ideal for those seeking a family-friendly, nutritious option.
Q. Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
This Carolina BBQ Chicken recipe contains 9g of carbohydrates per serving, which keeps the carb content relatively low compared to many barbecue dishes. The fat and protein make up most of the calories.
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