Monday, August 15, 2016

Simple BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters



Ingredients

6 chicken leg quarters

Garlic Powder, to taste

Seasoned salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

cooking spray

Homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce (see recipe below) or bottled BBQ sauce



Directions to do on Grill

1) Prepare the grill for indirect grilling over medium heat; the internal grill temp should be 350 degrees.

2) Season the chicken leg quarters on both sides with the garlic powder, seasoned salt, and freshly ground pepper to your own taste.

3) Before placing the grill grate in the grill (or if its already on there then before turning on the grill) be sure to prepare the surface with cooking spray so that the chicken doesn't stick to the metal.

4) Place the chicken on the grill over the direct-heat area and sear, turning once, for 2 minutes per side.

5) Move the chicken to the indirect-heat area, cover the grill and cook for 30 minutes. If you will be using a charcoal grill, bank the lit charcoals on either side of the grill bed area, leaving an open portion in the center w/o heat, and place a drip pan in the center. If using a gas grill, preheat burners, then turn off 1 or more of the burners to create a cooler zone.

6) Start brushing the chicken with the homemade sweet bbq sauce (or bottle sauce if you didn't make the other). about 8 minutes into the chicken cooking, turning and brushing the pieces every 5 minutes, for about 15 to 16 minutes. The chicken is ready when it is firm to the touch and the juices run clear when a thigh is pierced with a knife tip.


Directions to bake in the oven

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Season the chicken on both sides with the garlic powder, seasoned salt and freshly ground pepper to your own taste.

3) Prepare a large metal baking sheet with tin foil, and spray lightly with cooking spray.

4) Place chicken on the metal baking sheet that has been covered with the foil.

5) Place in the oven and bake undisturbed for 45 minutes.

6) Brush the chicken evenly with the BBQ sauce.

7) Cook for about 10 more minutes or till the chicken is ready.

8) Lightly brush with a little extra sauce before serving.



Homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

2 1/2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1 tsp. Hungarian paprika

1 tsp. kosher salt

zest of 1 orange

2 1/4 C. ketchup

1/4 C. spicy brown mustard

1/2 C. apple cider vinegar

1/3 C. Worcestershire sauce

Juice from 4 lemons

1/4 C. A-1 Steak sauce

1/3 C. Dark blackstrap molasses

1/2 C. natural honey

2 tsp. hot sauce

1 C. brown sugar, lightly packed

3 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

5 cloves garlic, minced



Directions

1) In a glass bowl, combine the chili powder, fresh ground black pepper, kosher salt & zest of 1 orange.

2) In a large bowl, mix the ketchup, spicy brown mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, A-1 steak sauce, blackstrap molasses, natural honey, hot sauce & lightly packed brown sugar.

3) Over medium heat, warm the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the minced onions & saute them until translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Press the garlic cloves, add it to the onion & cook for another minute.

4) Add spices from the small bowl to pan, then add all the wet ingredients.

5) Simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, uncovered.

6) Place in the fridge overnight to let the flavors come through.



I didn't make the homemade sauce this time as I was in a hurry. So I just used bottled and it still came out great. If you know that you wanna use the homemade than I would definitely make it the day before your going to cook the chicken that way it can sit in the fridge for the 24 hours. Depending on how big the chicken pieces are may depend on cooking length so definitely make sure to check it.