Fire Up the Flavor: Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs with South Carolina's Famous Mustard Sauce

In the heart of the southern barbecue tradition, South Carolina stands out with its distinctive mustard-based BBQ sauce, often referred to as "Carolina Gold." While barbecue styles vary across the South, the tangy and savory combination of mustard, vinegar, and spices defines the flavor profile of this beloved state. When paired with juicy, grilled chicken legs, this sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that is sure to impress at any cookout.

Photo byNick Davies

Grilled BBQ chicken legs are a favorite at family gatherings, tailgates, or simple weeknight dinners. With their perfect balance of smoky char from the grill and the bold tang of mustard BBQ sauce, these chicken legs offer a taste that is uniquely South Carolinian.

The Mustard Sauce Magic

South Carolina's mustard barbecue sauce is what truly makes this dish stand out. Known for its bold tanginess, this sauce is a fusion of yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and just the right amount of spices. Unlike the ketchup-based sauces common in other states, this sauce brings a whole new level of flavor to your grilled chicken.

The combination of sweetness from the sugar, the kick from the mustard, and the slight heat from spices like cayenne or chili powder, creates a balanced sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s both versatile and easy to prepare, making it a great option for chicken legs.

Recipe: South Carolina Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 4 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• Olive oil for brushing

For the South Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce:

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• A splash of hot sauce (optional for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the BBQ sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste and let the sauce cool slightly.
2. Prep the chicken: Rub the chicken legs and thighs with sea salt and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while you heat the grill.
3. Grill the chicken: Set up your grill for two-zone cooking: direct heat on one side and indirect heat on the other. Brush the chicken with olive oil and place it over the direct heat to sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, achieving a nice char.
4. Finish cooking: Move the chicken to the indirect heat, brush generously with the mustard BBQ sauce, and cover the grill. Cook for an additional 12-15 minutes, flipping and basting occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F.
5. Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute. Serve with extra mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

The Final Bite

There’s something special about grilling chicken with a sauce so deeply tied to South Carolina’s culinary roots. The smoky flavor from the grill complements the tangy mustard sauce, creating a balance that is irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying this dish at a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, South Carolina grilled BBQ chicken legs will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Sources:

Grilled Chicken with South Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce Recipe (simplyrecipes.com)

South Carolina Mustard BBQ Chicken Legs - Bell & Evans (bellandevans.com)

Grilled Chicken Legs with South Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce (brooklynsupper.com)