Labor Day BBQ: Classic BBQ Chicken Recipe

Photo bydalle 3

Labor Day weekend is upon us, marking the unofficial end of summer. It’s a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy good food with great company. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious BBQ chicken, the ultimate crowd-pleaser? Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or heading to a park picnic, BBQ chicken is the perfect dish to bring people together and enjoy the flavors of the season.

A Taste of Tradition: BBQ Chicken for Labor Day

BBQ chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of summer gatherings, where the aroma of smoky, grilled meat fills the air, and laughter echoes around the grill. This Labor Day, elevate your celebration with a BBQ chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred. The secret to the best BBQ chicken lies in the marinade and the cooking technique, both of which ensure the chicken is tender on the inside and crisp on the outside.

Recipe: Perfect BBQ Chicken for Labor Day

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to turn white before cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoying Your Labor Day BBQ

The beauty of BBQ chicken is in its simplicity and versatility. Pair it with classic sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or potato salad, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Labor Day meal. This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd, offering a delightful mix of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that appeal to all ages. Whether you're a grilling pro or a novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.

As you enjoy your BBQ chicken this Labor Day weekend, remember that the best part of any meal is the memories made with loved ones. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and savor the last taste of summer with this delicious BBQ chicken recipe.

Here are some great resources for making BBQ chicken with an apple cider vinegar marinade, perfect for your Labor Day celebrations!

1. Feast and Farm offers a vinegar-based BBQ chicken recipe that emphasizes a longer marinating time of up to 16 hours for maximum flavor. They suggest using bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best results and grilling it to achieve a juicy interior with a perfect char on the outside. This recipe allows you to enjoy a tangy, smoky flavor that's ideal for grilling​(Feast and Farm).
2. Easy Family Recipes provides a simple apple cider vinegar marinade that works well with all cuts of chicken. They recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. This recipe is particularly good for maintaining moist and tender chicken by cooking over medium heat to avoid drying out the exterior while ensuring the inside is thoroughly cooked​(Easy Family Recipes).
3. Busy Creating Memories features an easy grilled chicken recipe using an apple cider vinegar marinade. This recipe requires minimal effort and includes tips on how to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out, which is essential for grilling success. The marinade is simple and uses common pantry ingredients like apple cider vinegar and seasonings​(Busy Creating Memories).
4. Well Plated presents a versatile BBQ chicken marinade that can be used for grilling, baking, or even smoking. Their recipe focuses on balancing sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, perfect for creating a delicious BBQ chicken that's great for any summer gathering​(Well Plated).
5. A Duck's Oven shares a pantry-staple BBQ marinade that's easy to prepare and versatile enough for various cooking methods, including grilling and sous vide. This marinade uses simple ingredients like brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar, making it convenient for quick preparation​(A Duck's Oven).

You can find these recipes and more details on the websites for each of these resources. Enjoy your Labor Day BBQ!

• Feast and Farm BBQ Chicken Recipe
• Easy Family Recipes Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade
• Busy Creating Memories Grilled Chicken Recipe
• Well Plated BBQ Chicken Marinade
• A Duck's Oven BBQ Chicken Marinade