QUICK BBQ CHICKEN
We receive much feedback from our readers who try to cook meals for their families with different dietary requirements and preferences, particularly those with vegetarians and meat eaters. This is why I thought of creating several A la carte protein options that are quick to cook, separated from meals, and served to those who desire them. The Quick BBQ Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that can be cooked in less than 30 minutes. It is perfect for serving as a main meal or topping for other dishes.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH QUICK BBQ CHICKEN
BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile. I’ve pictured it in the above photo served with Mac, cheese, and collard greens. However, it is also delicious alongside Cowboy Caviar Potato Salad, Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, and Creamy Coleslaw. Roasted broccoli. You can cut it into pieces to create a Pizza with BBQ Chicken or BBQ chicken quesadilla or garnish the top of a filled mashed potato bowl or salad.
WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN CAN I USE?
This recipe is formulated for skinless chicken breasts and boneless thighs. It’s great with both. However, the thighs are my personal preference, as they’re just soft and crispy beautifully on the edges because of the fat they contain. Because this recipe employs an easy skillet cooking method, this recipe is not appropriate for bone-in poultry. Bone-in chicken takes longer, making it ideal for baking, braising, and slow cooking.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS RECIPE MAKE?
This recipe can be used for approximately 1 2 lbs. of chicken pieces, possibly adding just a bit. If you’d like to increase the recipe, cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which will hinder the browning effect you’re looking for.
WHAT KIND OF BBQ SAUCE SHOULD I USE?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like. I’m not particular regarding BBQ sauce and used the Kroger brand Hickory Smoke BBQ sauce I have in my pantry. Sweet Baby Ray’s tends to offer pretty decent BBQ sauces, which are cheap.
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
1/2 1 tsp ground garlic ($0.05)
1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ($0.03)
One lb. skinless, boneless, and skinless poultry* ($4.63)
One tablespoon of cooking oil ($0.04)
1/4 cup BBQ sauce ($0.11)
INSTRUCTIONS
If you’re using chicken breasts, crush them until they are of an even thickness for rapid and consistent cooking. To pound the breasts put the breasts on top of a cutting table and cover them with plastic wrap. Utilize a mallet or a rolling pin to strike the more dense portions until they are an even 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness. There’s no reason to hit the thighs of the chicken.
Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a tiny bowl. Sprinkle each side of your chicken with this spice mixture.
In a large pot, heat it to medium temperature. When it’s hot, cook the oil and stir to cover the exterior of the skillet. Add the chicken that has been seasoned and cook each side until lightly brown and cooked to perfection (an inner temperature of 160oF), roughly 7 minutes per side.
The heat should be turned off. Apply a coat of poultry using BBQ sauce. The chicken should rest for five minutes before cutting it and serving.
