Southwestern Barbecue Chicken

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + spices

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar and preservatives.

chicken pieces

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Skinless chicken is leaner, while thighs are often more affordable.

Make a dry brine by mixing salt, crushed mexican oregano, chipotle powder, cumin, dried garlic, baking soda, and lime zest in a bowl.

Prepare the chicken by spatchcocking it: cut along either side of the backbone and remove it.

Flatten the chicken by pushing down on the breastbone.

Work fingers between the skin and meat to create space for the spice mixture.

Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and on the thighs.

Place the chicken on a pan and cover it with plastic wrap.

Marinate the chicken in the fridge for 2 hours to overnight, but not longer than 8 hours to avoid a mealy texture.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: