American-Style BBQ Chicken

This sweet chicken dish is inspired by American BBQ culture, where sour and sweet are balanced to keep meat juicy and full of flavour. The acidity of apple cider vinegar combined with apple juice helps the chicken stay tender, while sugar and spices create a caramelised exterior.

Serves: 4
Preparation: marinate for at least 30 minutes
Cooking: approx. 30–40 minutes
Total time: approx. 60–70 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons apple juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 10 black peppercorns
• Sea salt

Preparation

1. Put the apple cider vinegar, apple juice and brown sugar in a bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Roughly crush the peppercorns. Mix them with the onion powder, nutmeg and smoked paprika to make a spice mix.
3. Sprinkle the chicken all over with sea salt and then rub the spice mix into the meat.
4. Submerge the chicken in the marinade.
5. Spoon a few tablespoons of the marinade into a separate bowl and set aside, covered, to use later.
6. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (longer is fine, covered in the fridge).

Method

1. Light the barbecue and create a direct and an indirect zone.
2. Grill the chicken first over direct heat until it has taken on colour all over.
3. Then move the chicken to the indirect side and close the lid.
4. While cooking, brush the chicken regularly with the reserved marinade.
5. Cook the chicken for a total of 30–40 minutes, until nicely caramelised and cooked through.