Grilled Chicken with Sweet Carolina Barbecue Sauce

The scent of grilling chicken always transports me back to summer evenings spent at my grandmother’s house. Her backyard, a verdant oasis bursting with fragrant herbs and sun-ripened tomatoes, was the epicenter of family gatherings. While she was famous for her apple pie, it was her grilled chicken slathered in a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce that truly stole the show. I remember watching her meticulously baste each piece, the sauce caramelizing to a sticky, irresistible glaze over the hot coals. That flavor, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, is forever etched in my memory and continues to inspire me in my own cooking.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from this recipe:

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight marinating)
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

For the Marinade:

• ¾ cup unsulphured molasses
• ½ cup pure olive oil
• ½ cup ruby port or marsala (Marsala offers a slightly nutty sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 3 lbs chicken breasts, thighs, quarters, drumsticks, bone-in (Use your family’s preferred cuts)

For the Sweet Mustard Barbecue Sauce:

• 2 cups yellow mustard
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup strong brewed coffee (Adds depth and richness)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Glass jar with lid
• Large bowl or extra-large ziplock bag
• Baking sheet
• Grill or broiler

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a delicious grilled chicken with sweet Carolina barbecue sauce:

1. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine all of the Sweet Mustard Barbecue Sauce ingredients: yellow mustard, light brown sugar, strong brewed coffee, honey, unsulphured molasses, liquid smoke (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour the sauce into a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a month.
4. Create the Marinade: In a large bowl or an extra-large ziplock bag, combine the marinade ingredients: unsulphured molasses, pure olive oil, ruby port or marsala, Dijon mustard, soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce, fresh ground pepper, Worcestershire sauce, minced shallot, and chopped green onion.
5. Let the Marinade Rest: Mix the marinade well and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
6. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and turn to coat them evenly. Ensure all pieces are well-covered.
7. Refrigerate Overnight: Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade overnight. This long marinating time is crucial for maximum flavor and tenderness.
8. Prepare the Grill or Broiler: Light your grill and allow it to reach a medium-hot temperature. Alternatively, preheat your broiler with the rack positioned about 12 inches from the heat source.
9. Remove Chicken from Marinade: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet.
10. Baste the Chicken: Brush the chicken pieces generously with the prepared Sweet Mustard Barbecue Sauce.
11. Grill or Broil the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill or under the broiler. Grill or broil for 8 to 10 minutes per side, turning often and rotating the pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Continue basting with the barbecue sauce as you cook, creating a beautiful glaze.
12. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). For bone-in pieces, ensure the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
13. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken hot or at room temperature.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor: If you don’t have liquid smoke, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the barbecue sauce.
• Preventing burning: The sugar in the barbecue sauce can cause the chicken to burn easily. Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling or broiling and adjust the heat as needed. Move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to brown too quickly.
• Making it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
• Marinating Time: While overnight marinating is ideal, a minimum of 4 hours will still impart significant flavor.
• Using a charcoal grill: If using a charcoal grill, consider using wood chips (like hickory or applewood) for extra smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the coals.
• Broiler alternative: If broiling, use a heavy-duty baking sheet to prevent warping under the high heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Grilled Chicken with Sweet Carolina Barbecue Sauce with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. To prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating, brush it with a little extra barbecue sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	656 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	270 g	41%
Total Fat	30.1 g	46%
Saturated Fat	6.5 g	32%
Cholesterol	109 mg	36%
Sodium	693.8 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	56.3 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	45.4 g	181%
Protein	37.3 g	74%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Barbecue: Add a diced jalapeño to the marinade or barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey-Garlic Glaze: Replace the brown sugar with honey and add minced garlic for a different flavor profile.
• Citrus Infusion: Add the zest and juice of an orange or lemon to the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Herbaceous Marinade: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for an earthy flavor.
• Vinegar-Based Sauce: For a tangier sauce, replace some of the yellow mustard with apple cider vinegar.
• Alternative Sweetener: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetener.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken cooks faster. Be sure to not overcook, as they can dry out.

Q: Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The barbecue sauce can be made up to a month in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A: While yellow mustard is traditional for Carolina-style barbecue sauce, you can experiment with Dijon or whole grain mustard for a slightly different flavor.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Q: Can I use this sauce on other meats besides chicken?
A: Definitely! This sauce is also delicious on pork chops, ribs, or even grilled vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken with Sweet Carolina Barbecue Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – the process is simple, and the result is well worth the effort. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Pair it with a crisp coleslaw and some grilled corn on the cob for the perfect summer meal. Happy grilling!