Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Marinade: The combination of rice vinegar, barbecue sauce, and crushed garlic creates a tangy and aromatic base that penetrates the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
Spicy Rub: A blend of paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper adds a smoky and spicy kick to the chicken’s exterior.
Grill-Friendly: Designed for grilling, this recipe ensures a crispy, caramelized skin while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into halves
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup barbecue sauce (for basting)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, and crushed garlic.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken halves in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
Season the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard any remaining marinade. Season the chicken halves with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken halves, skin-side down, on the preheated grill. Grill until grill marks appear, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the chicken over, close the grill lid, and continue cooking, basting with the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce every 6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear, about 35 minutes.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Variations

Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño to the marinade for extra heat.
Sweet Flavor: Incorporate honey or brown sugar into the marinade for a sweeter profile.
Herbaceous Notes: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for added aroma.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: Not recommended due to potential changes in texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken pieces instead of halves?
Yes, adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating enhances flavor, but if short on time, you can proceed with seasoning and grilling.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

This barbecue chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors. Whether grilled or baked, it promises a satisfying meal that’s sure to please any palate.