Grilled Carolina Chicken: Tangy BBQ with a Twist

If you're a fan of bold and smoky BBQ flavors, this Carolina Chicken Recipe is one you absolutely need to try. It has everything you love about BBQ chicken but with a tangy kick, thanks to the apple cider vinegar marinade. As the chicken soaks in the marinade, it absorbs flavors that create a beautiful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Whether you’re using boneless breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, this dish will leave your mouth watering for more.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first discovered this amazing recipe at Insanely Good Recipes, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s quickly become a staple in my home, especially during grilling season. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any BBQ gathering.

The Carolina BBQ Tradition

Did you know that Carolina BBQ is known for its vinegar-based sauces? Unlike the sweet and thick sauces of other regions, Carolina BBQ leans into a sharp, tangy flavor profile, often with mustard or vinegar at the forefront. This unique twist on BBQ is perfect for those who love a little zing in their meals. In this recipe, we embrace that Southern flair, using apple cider vinegar to enhance the chicken and an optional mustard-based Carolina BBQ sauce to elevate it even more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 pounds chicken (boneless breasts, thighs, or legs)

For the (Optional) Carolina BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

For the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and light brown sugar. Then add the vegetable oil, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until fully combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces fully in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to 350-400°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Place the chicken, skin-side down, directly over the hot coals. Grill for 4-6 minutes, flipping once.
4. Finish Cooking Over Indirect Heat: Move the chicken to indirect heat, cover the grill, and cook for another 7-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. If you like, brush on some extra Carolina BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

For the (Optional) BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Baste the Chicken: Brush this sauce onto the marinated chicken before grilling for added flavor. You can also baste the chicken again during grilling for a richer taste.

Cooking Tips

• Make It Your Own: Try using thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier cut. This marinade works well with all types of chicken.
• Alternate Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side, then bake it at 375°F for 10 minutes.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve this chicken with a side of coleslaw or cornbread to keep the Southern BBQ vibes alive. A refreshing cucumber salad or grilled corn would also complement the smoky, tangy flavors perfectly.

Variations

• For a Spicier Kick: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for more heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Omit the brown sugar from both the marinade and the sauce for a low-carb version of this dish.
• Vegetarian Version: If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you could swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or even tofu. Marinate them the same way and grill until nicely charred.

Final Thoughts

This Carolina Chicken recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of tangy vinegar, spicy hot sauce, and smoky grilled chicken is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to give the mustard-based Carolina BBQ sauce a try—it adds a rich and bold finish to this already flavorful dish. Whether you're grilling for a crowd or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out! Make sure to follow me for more delicious recipes that you’ll love.