If you’re craving a BBQ experience that sings with bold flavors and a touch of Southern charm, the Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. This dish marries tangy mustard, sweet molasses, and a hint of spice into a heavenly sauce that hugs tender chicken perfectly. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for those days when you want something hearty yet bright, with layers of taste that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create that unique balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy that defines Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken. From the sharpness of mustards to the richness of molasses and butter, each element adds depth and vibrancy to the sauce, while the seasoning transforms simple chicken into something truly special.
- ½ cup yellow mustard: The base of the sauce, delivering tang and a lovely golden color.
- â…“ cup Dijon mustard: Adds complexity with its sharp and slightly spicy notes.
- ¼ cup cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a crisp acidity that balances the sweetness.
- 3 Tbsp molasses: Provides deep, smoky sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds a natural sweetness to soften the mustard’s bite.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Enriches the sauce, giving it a smooth, luscious texture.
- 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a subtle tang.
- 1½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
- 1½ tsp black pepper: Offers a mild heat that keeps things interesting.
- ¾ tsp onion powder: Adds a sweet, mellow onion flavor without overpowering.
- ½ tsp cayenne: Gives a gentle spicy kick to wake up the taste buds.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Introduces herbaceous notes for balance.
- ¼ tsp seasoned salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 2 Tbsp BBQ seasoning: Coats the chicken with a smoky, zesty crust.
- 3 pounds boneless chicken tenders (breasts or thighs): The canvas for the marvelous Georgia Gold BBQ sauce.
How to Make Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a lively boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to meld those flavors beautifully and allow the sauce to thicken just enough. Once done, remove it from heat and bask in that incredible aroma.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the sauce simmers, generously season your chicken tenders with BBQ seasoning on both sides. This seasoning forms a flavorful crust as the chicken grills, complementing the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Fire up your grill and cook the chicken until it’s nearly cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. You want tender, juicy meat that’s ready to soak up the sauce but not overcooked yet.
Step 4: Baste with That Glorious Sauce
During the final few minutes on the grill, slather the chicken generously with the Georgia Gold BBQ sauce on both sides. This step seals in moisture and builds layers of sticky, tangy-sweet glaze that will make your chicken irresistible. Cook just long enough for the sauce to caramelize slightly without burning.
How to Serve Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add fresh contrasts, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. A few slices of crunchy pickles or a wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten each bite wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, tangy baked beans, or buttery cornbread. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad or roasted veggies balance the richness of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken recipe as juicy sliders on soft buns for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or pile the sliced chicken over a salad for a hearty lunch. You can even toss the chicken with extra sauce and shredded cheddar to make a killer BBQ chicken melted sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe longer, freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to separate portions for easy thawing later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the tender chicken. You can add a splash of extra sauce or a bit of water to keep things saucy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders for the Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here, offering extra juiciness and flavor that hold up well against the rich BBQ sauce.
Is the sauce suitable for grilling vegetables as well?
Yes, the tangy and sweet Georgia Gold BBQ sauce adds fantastic flavor to grilled veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini – just brush it on near the end of cooking.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and making it ahead allows the flavors to marry even better.
How spicy is the Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe?
It has a gentle warmth from cayenne and black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy – the mustard and molasses balance out the heat for a flavorful rather than fiery experience.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The sauce basting during the last minutes gives it a glossy, slightly caramelized finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends or simply treat yourself to something unforgettable, trying the Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe is a must. The vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and that sticky, tangy sauce combine to create a dish that feels both comforting and exciting every time. Fire up the grill and give this recipe a spin – it’ll quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
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Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Georgia Gold BBQ Chicken is a flavorful grilled chicken recipe featuring a tangy, smoky mustard-based barbecue sauce infused with molasses, honey, and spices. Tender boneless chicken tenders are seasoned, grilled to juicy perfection, and basted with the rich homemade Georgia Gold-inspired BBQ sauce during the final minutes of cooking for a delicious, Southern-style meal.
Ingredients
Barbecue Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- â…“ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp molasses
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp seasoned salt
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp BBQ seasoning (for chicken)
- 3 pounds boneless chicken tenders (or breasts or thighs)
Instructions
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, molasses, honey, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne, dried oregano, and seasoned salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle BBQ seasoning on both sides of the boneless chicken tenders to ensure even flavor throughout.
- Grill the Chicken: Prepare your grill for cooking over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken tenders on the grill and cook until they are almost fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness, ensuring the internal temperature reaches near 160°F (71°C).
- Baste with Sauce: During the final few minutes of grilling, generously baste the chicken on both sides with the prepared BBQ sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and coat the chicken evenly, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken once fully cooked and the sauce is nicely set.
Notes
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders for this recipe.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven, basting with sauce at the end.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- The BBQ sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to one week and is great for other grilled meats too.
- Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
