This grilled cowboy chicken recipe is perfect for outdoor gatherings and will impress your guests with its smoky and tangy flavors. The chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of spices, then grilled to perfection and basted with a homemade smoky barbecue sauce. The result is tender and juicy chicken with a hint of spiciness and sweetness. Serve it with grilled corn on the cob and a side of coleslaw for a complete cowboy-style meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag and drizzle with olive oil. Add the spice rub to the bag and massage the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and liquid smoke. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the smoky barbecue sauce on both sides, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the grilled cowboy chicken with extra smoky barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Cowboy chicken is a popular dish in Texas and is often cooked over open flames.
Liquid smoke is made by capturing the smoke from burning wood and condensing it into a liquid form. It adds an authentic smoky flavor to the barbecue sauce.
The combination of spices in the rub, including paprika, chili powder, and cumin, gives the chicken a bold and slightly spicy flavor.