Delia Smith Bbq Chicken​ Recipe

This savory Delia Smith Bbq Chicken is made with tender chicken drumsticks, sweet apricots, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. This recipe creates a perfectly glazed and smoky main course with a rich, tangy flavor that sticks to every bite. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or family cookout and makes enough for 6 people.

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Delia Smith Bbq Chicken Ingredients

For the Meats:

• 6 small to medium chicken drumsticks
• 6 lamb cutlets (optional, for mixed grill)
• 6 pork ribs (optional, for mixed grill)

For the Apricot Barbecue Glaze:

• 2 large apricots
• 2 rounded tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 fl oz (55 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 fl oz (55 ml) light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• a few drops of tabasco sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 clove garlic
• freshly milled black pepper

How To Make Delia Smith Bbq Chicken

1. Prepare the apricot glaze: Place the apricots in a small saucepan with just enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Strain the water from the apricots.
2. Blend the glaze: Transfer the cooked apricots to a food processor. Add the dark brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, tabasco sauce, tomato puree, and garlic clove. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Season with freshly milled black pepper.
3. Pre-cook the chicken: Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C or gas mark 4). Bake the chicken drumsticks for 15 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning on the grill.
4. Grill the chicken: Once your barbecue charcoal is hot, brush the pre-cooked drumsticks generously with the apricot glaze. Place the chicken on the grill about 3 inches from the coals and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
5. Create an optional sauce: Scrape any leftover glaze into a small saucepan. Add a glass of white wine and bring it to a simmer to create a delicious dipping or serving sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Skip Pre-Baking: Pre-cooking the chicken in the oven ensures it is cooked safely and evenly on the inside before it hits the high heat of the grill. This prevents the outside from burning while the inside is still raw.
• Watch the Glaze: Glazes containing sugar, like this apricot one, can burn quickly over direct heat. Keep a close eye on the chicken as it grills to make sure it gets beautifully caramelized, not burnt.
• Use Fresh Ginger: For the best flavor, use freshly grated ginger. It provides a bright, zesty kick that you can’t get from dried ginger powder.
• Know When Coals are Ready: For the best grilling temperature, wait until the charcoal is covered with a light grey ash. This indicates the heat is steady and ready for cooking.

What To Serve BBQ Chicken

This delicious BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with classic cookout side dishes. Serve it with creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, add a side of oven-roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary or a simple pasta salad. A basket of warm cornbread is also an excellent choice to soak up any extra sauce.

How To Store BBQ Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delia Smith Bbq Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 265 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 21g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe? Yes, this glaze works wonderfully with chicken thighs or breasts. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can skip the pre-baking step, but be sure to grill them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Do I have to pre-cook the chicken? It is highly recommended for bone-in chicken like drumsticks. This step guarantees the chicken is fully cooked through without the glaze burning on the outside. It’s a key step for both food safety and the best results.
• Can I make the apricot barbecue glaze ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
• What if I don’t have a food processor? If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender to make the glaze. Alternatively, you can finely mince the garlic and cooked apricots and whisk all the ingredients together vigorously in a bowl to combine them as smoothly as possible.

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith Bacon And Egg Pie​ Recipe
• Delia Smith​ Alpine Eggs Recipe
• Delia Smith​ Christmas Chutney Recipe