Carolina Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe

This Carolina Gold BBQ chicken recipe delivers a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor explosion. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a weekend cookout, and uses a simple yet delicious mustard-based sauce.

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Carolina Gold BBQ chicken feast.

• Chicken thighs
• Chicken legs
• Yellow mustard
• Light brown sugar
• Cider vinegar
• Butter
• Water
• Fish sauce
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground pepper

Making this recipe flexible with common pantry staples.

• Fish Sauce: If you don’t have fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce is a great substitute. Vegetable broth can also be used for a milder umami note, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work too. Adjust cooking time as they will cook faster. Ensure breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Vinegar: White vinegar can stand in for cider vinegar if needed.
• Brown Sugar: If you only have granulated sugar, use that. The texture of the sauce might be slightly different.

1. Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium heat. Clean the grates well so the chicken doesn’t stick.
2. Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard, light brown sugar, and cider vinegar.
3. Boil and simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
4. Add remaining sauce ingredients: Stir in the butter, water, fish sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper.
5. Thicken the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens slightly.
6. Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce cool to room temperature before you use it.
7. Start grilling the chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill grates. Cook them skin-side down first for about 4 to 5 minutes.
8. Flip and baste: Turn the chicken pieces over. Generously brush or spoon the prepared sauce onto the chicken. Cook for another 3 minutes.
9. Continue basting: Flip the chicken again and baste with more sauce. Cook for another 3 minutes.
10. Repeat basting: Repeat the flipping and basting process two more times. This builds up a delicious glaze.
11. Monitor heat: If the sauce starts to darken too quickly on the grill, move the chicken pieces to a cooler section of the grill.
12. Check for doneness: Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
13. Rest the chicken: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a clean platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14. Serve: Plate the Carolina Gold BBQ chicken. Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.

• Sauce Burns: High heat can quickly burn the sugar in the sauce, making it bitter. Use medium heat and move chicken to cooler zones if needed.
• Undercooked Chicken: Always use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Sticking Chicken: Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the chicken on them.

• Spicier Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of ghost pepper powder to the sauce for extra heat.
• Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the sauce for a deeper smoky taste.
• Honey Gold: Replace half the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter, floral note.

• Serve with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
• Pair with grilled corn on the cob or a fresh green salad.
• It’s also delicious served on a bun as a sandwich.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before using. The chicken is best grilled fresh.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cooked chicken and any extra sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

This Carolina Gold BBQ chicken recipe brings a unique and delicious tang to your table. Enjoy the perfectly grilled, sauce-coated chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Carolina Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe

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This tangy, sweet, and savory BBQ chicken features a bold mustard-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or summer cookouts, the bone-in chicken thighs and legs with rich glaze deliver fall-off-the-bone flavor in under 35 minutes.

• Author: basma
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Omnivore

Ingredients

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4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

4 chicken legs (bone-in, skin-on)

1 1/2 cups yellow mustard

1 cup light brown sugar (packed)

1/2 cup cider vinegar

4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon fish sauce (substitute hoisin sauce or tamari for non-lacto-ovo)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Place chicken in 9×13-inch baking dish
In small bowl, whisk mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, butter, water, fish sauce, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until blended
Brush sauce evenly over chicken and let marinate 10 minutes
Bake 25 minutes until skins are golden and juices run clear, basting with sauce midway

Notes

For keto version: omit mustard, use 1/4 cup cider vinegar + 2 tbsp sugar as base
Marinade can be made in advance (up to 1 day refrigerated)
Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated
Fish sauce alternative can be omitted for lighter flavor

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken portion (2 thighs + 2 legs)
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 110mg