This classic Delmarva-style grilled chicken is a backyard barbecue favorite that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors perfectly. The chicken is marinated or basted in a rich sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and fresh minced jalapeños, creating a sticky, flavorful crust as it cooks. The result is tender, juicy meat with a smoky char from the grill and a subtle kick of heat that isn’t overwhelming. ItâÂÂs an excellent choice for summer cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep. The sauce can be prepared ahead of time to infuse more flavor. Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Jalapeno Grilled Chicken (Delmarva
Description
This classic Delmarva-style grilled chicken is a backyard barbecue favorite that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors perfectly. The chicken is marinated or basted in a rich sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and fresh minced jalapeños, creating a sticky, flavorful crust as it cooks. The result is tender, juicy meat with a smoky char from the grill and a subtle kick of heat that isn't overwhelming. ItâÂÂs an excellent choice for summer cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep. The sauce can be prepared ahead of time to infuse more flavor. Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat the cooking oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan.
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Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the onion is tender and translucent.
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Stir in the catsup, vinegar, brown sugar, minced jalapeños, salt, and dry mustard.
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Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and prepare it for grilling.
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Place the chicken quarters, skin side up, on the grill grate about 8 inches from the heat source.
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Grill the chicken, turning every 8 to 10 minutes, for about 40 minutes.
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Brush the chicken generously with the prepared jalapeño sauce.
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Continue grilling, turning and basting with the sauce every 5 minutes, for about 20 minutes more.
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Cook until the chicken is fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 165ðF (74ðC).
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 59.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.0g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
- Cholesterol 22.2mg8%
- Sodium 20.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 6.8g14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before mincing. For extra heat, leave them in or add an additional pepper.
If the sauce burns on the grill, reduce the heat or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. You can also prepare extra sauce and serve it on the side for dipping.
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the juices run clear and the internal temperature is at least 165ðF. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked chicken.
