Zesty Sweet Barbecued Picnic Chicken
Transform your next outdoor gathering with this irresistible Zesty Sweet Barbecued Picnic Chicken! Featuring tender drumsticks or thighs coated in a luscious homemade sauce bursting with the perfect balance of tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet honey, and smoky paprika, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether grilled to perfection over an open flame or oven-roasted to juicy tenderness, each bite offers a flavorful punch enhanced by hints of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Ready in under an hour and easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for backyard barbecues, summer picnics, or casual family dinners. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad for a meal that’s as comforting as it is unforgettable!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Set 1/3 cup of this sauce aside for glazing later.
Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 375°F (190°C).
If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil. If roasting, line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush with olive oil.
Pat the chicken drumsticks or thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and massage it evenly into the meat.
Place chicken pieces on the preheated grill, skin side down, or on the baking sheet if using the oven. Cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved sauce.
After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to low or cover the grill. Continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, flipping occasionally and basting with the sauce until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices.
Serve warm as is, or pair with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for the ultimate picnic experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.2 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 154 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 1023 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.5 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.7 g | ||
| Protein | 38.0 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 499 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
