Wegman’s Brown Sugar Barbecue Chicken: A Taste of Summer Memories

The scent of barbecue still transports me back to summer evenings at my grandmother’s house. She had a knack for creating simple yet unforgettable meals, and the sweet, smoky aroma of chicken sizzling on the grill was a constant feature of those warm months. Though her recipe was a family secret, this Wegman’s Brown Sugar Barbecue Chicken evokes a similar feeling – the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a touch of that nostalgic, summery magic. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes (30 minutes baking, 5 minutes grilling per side)
• Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (including marinating time)
• Servings: 8
• Yields: 15 pieces
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Wegman’s Barbecue Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons salt
• 6 tablespoons Wegman’s Basting Oil
• 5 chicken thighs
• 10 chicken drumsticks

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil (optional, for lining baking sheet)
• Gas grill

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the Wegman’s Barbecue Seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and Wegman’s Basting Oil. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs and chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are completely coated in the brown sugar barbecue mixture. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken for even distribution.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, also preheat your gas grill to medium heat.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You can line the baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. This step partially cooks the chicken and renders some of the fat.
7. After baking, carefully transfer the chicken pieces from the baking sheet to a platter.
8. Place the chicken pieces on the preheated gas grill. Grill for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The grilling process will caramelize the sauce and give the chicken a delicious smoky flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Marinating is Key: Don’t skimp on the marinating time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. If you’re short on time, even 4 hours will make a difference, but overnight is best.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When baking, avoid overcrowding the chicken on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of allowing it to bake properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Control the Heat: Grilling can be tricky because the sugar in the marinade can burn easily. Keep a close eye on the chicken and adjust the grill’s heat as needed to prevent burning. Moving the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or slightly raising the grill rack can help.
• Basting (Optional): For an extra glossy and flavorful finish, you can baste the chicken with leftover marinade while it’s grilling. However, be cautious as this can increase the risk of burning due to the sugar content.
• Bone-In, Skin-On for Best Results: This recipe works best with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. The bone adds flavor and the skin helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken, reduce the baking and grilling times accordingly.
• Internal Temperature is Your Guide: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Wegman’s Brown Sugar Barbecue Chicken hot off the grill with your favorite summer sides. Classic pairings include corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until heated through.
• Grill: You can also reheat the chicken on the grill for a smoky flavor, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	374 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	243 g	65%
Total Fat	27.1 g	41%
Saturated Fat	6.1 g	30%
Cholesterol	123.3 mg	41%
Sodium	1429.8 mg	59%
Total Carbohydrate	3.4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	3.3 g	13%
Protein	27.7 g	55%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Sweeten the Deal: For a sweeter flavor, use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
• Use Different Cuts of Chicken: While the recipe calls for thighs and drumsticks, you can use other cuts of chicken, such as breasts or wings. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange juice to the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the marinade for added depth of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Replace some of the barbecue seasoning with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor that complements the grill.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of Wegman’s Basting Oil?

A: Yes, you can substitute with another neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even olive oil. The basting oil is mainly for moisture and to help the marinade adhere, so any of these will work.

Q: What if I don’t have Wegman’s Barbecue Seasoning?

A: You can make your own barbecue seasoning blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the ratios to your taste preferences.

Q: Can I bake the chicken entirely in the oven?

A: Yes, you can bake the chicken for the entire cooking time. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

A: Avoid overcooking the chicken, and consider basting it with the marinade (but be careful of burning). Using bone-in, skin-on pieces will also help retain moisture.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 8 hours?

A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Just ensure it’s properly covered and stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

Final Thoughts

This Wegman’s Brown Sugar Barbecue Chicken recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create your own summer memories. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own signature dish. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the taste of summer! I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with me, or perhaps pair it with my personal favorite grilled corn salad!