Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe

The Delmarva BBQ Chicken recipe is a beloved culinary tradition hailing from the Eastern Shore region, encompassing parts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. This unique style of barbecue chicken is known for its tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile and crispy skin. In this article, we’ll explore how to recreate this regional favorite in your own backyard, bringing the taste of the Chesapeake Bay to your dinner table.

How to make Delmarva BBQ Chicken

Delmarva BBQ Chicken is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The key to this dish lies in its distinctive marinade and basting sauce, which typically includes apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices. The chicken is then grilled over an open flame, resulting in a perfectly charred exterior and juicy interior.

This recipe has been a staple at community events, fire department fundraisers, and family gatherings across the Delmarva Peninsula for generations. Its popularity stems from the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, coupled with the smoky essence imparted by the grilling process.

Ingredients for Delmarva BBQ Chicken recipe

For the Chicken:

• 4 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (preferably a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Delmarva BBQ Sauce:

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken:
   Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Place them in a large, shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
2. Make the Delmarva BBQ sauce:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for basting during grilling.
3. Marinate the chicken:
   Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Prepare the grill:
   Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, pile the coals on one side. For a gas grill, turn on only half of the burners.
5. Grill the chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken pieces on the cooler side of the grill, skin-side up.
6. Cover and cook:
   Close the grill lid and cook for about 30-40 minutes, maintaining a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
7. Baste and flip:
   After 30-40 minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved sauce and flip the pieces. Continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, basting occasionally.
8. Check for doneness:
   The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The skin should be crispy and nicely charred.
9. Rest and serve:
   Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips for Making the Perfect Delmarva BBQ Chicken

1. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the best flavor and moisture retention.
2. Don’t rush the marinating process; longer marination leads to more flavorful chicken.
3. Maintain a consistent grill temperature for even cooking.
4. Avoid direct high heat to prevent burning the skin before the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
6. Allow the chicken to rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.

What to Serve with Delmarva BBQ Chicken

Delmarva BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with traditional barbecue sides. Consider serving it with:

1. Creamy coleslaw
2. Potato salad
3. Corn on the cob
4. Baked beans
5. Sliced watermelon
6. Cornbread or hush puppies
7. Pickles and pickled vegetables

Ingredient Substitutes

Apple Cider Vinegar:
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or even lemon juice in a pinch. However, this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Vegetable Oil:
Canola oil or even olive oil can be used as a substitute, though olive oil may impart a slightly different flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce:
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a touch of vinegar and a pinch of sugar as a substitute.

Brown Sugar:
White sugar or honey can replace brown sugar, though they may slightly change the sauce’s consistency and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Delmarva BBQ Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of East Coast tradition. This unique style of barbecue chicken, with its tangy, vinegar-based sauce and perfectly crispy skin, offers a delightful alternative to sweeter, tomato-based barbecue styles. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a taste of the Eastern Shore, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the authentic flavors of Delmarva BBQ Chicken in your own backyard!