Homemade Barbecue Chicken – Desi Style

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Take the whole chickens and make deep slits on the breast, thighs, and leg pieces. This helps the marinade penetrate deeply for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of curd (yogurt), 1/2 cup of water, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the slit chickens into the marinade. Ensure the chicken is fully coated and the marinade gets into all the slits. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Barbecue Rub

In a separate bowl, combine 1 tsp of salt, 1 tbsp of red chili powder, 1 tbsp of pizza seasoning, 1 tsp of dry ginger powder, and 2 tbsp of sun-dried chopped garlic. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Prepare the Barbecue Sauce (Part 1)

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add 2 tbsp of chopped garlic and 1 tbsp of chopped ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Then, add 1 cup of tomato ketchup and 1/4 cup of soya sauce.

Step 6: Prepare the Barbecue Sauce (Part 2)

Mix the sauce ingredients well. Add 2 tbsp of jaggery or brown sugar and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Finish with 1 tsp of mixed herbs. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 7: Set Up the Grill

Assemble your barbecue grill. Place the charcoal in the designated area of the grill.

Step 8: Arrange Charcoal

Carefully arrange the charcoal pieces evenly in the grill for consistent heat distribution.

Step 9: Light the Charcoal

Apply blue gel lighter to the charcoal and ignite it. Allow the charcoal to heat up until it's glowing red and covered with a fine layer of ash.

Step 10: Dry the Chicken

Once the charcoal is lit, remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take it out of the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 11: Apply the Rub

Generously apply the prepared barbecue rub all over the chicken, massaging it into the skin and slits on both sides.

Step 12: Place Grill Rack

Once the charcoal is hot and ready, place the grill rack over the coals.

Step 13: Initial Grilling

Carefully place the rubbed chicken pieces on the hot grill rack. Cover the grill and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 14: Flip and Baste

After 15-20 minutes, open the grill, flip the chicken pieces, and baste them with oil or any remaining marinade to keep them moist. Cover and continue grilling.

Step 15: Continue Basting

Continue to flip and baste the chicken every 5-7 minutes, ensuring even cooking and preventing it from drying out. You should see smoke and a nice char developing.

Step 16: Check Doneness (Initial)

After about 30 minutes of grilling, insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness. If it goes in easily, the chicken is partially cooked.

Step 17: Apply Barbecue Sauce (First Side)

Once the chicken is about 50% cooked, generously brush the prepared barbecue sauce over one side of the chicken pieces. Grill for a few minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly.

Step 18: Apply Barbecue Sauce (Second Side)

Flip the chicken and apply barbecue sauce to the other side. Continue grilling, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful glaze.

Step 19: Final Grilling and Check

Continue grilling, flipping, and basting with sauce until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and has a rich, smoky flavor and caramelized crust. Check doneness again with a knife.

Step 20: Serve Barbecue Chicken

Remove the cooked barbecue chicken from the grill. Serve hot on a wooden platter, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and shredded onions or cabbage. Enjoy!

• Marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for best results, to ensure it absorbs maximum flavor.

• Baste the chicken frequently with oil or the leftover marinade during grilling to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

• To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a knife into the thickest part; if it penetrates easily and the juices run clear, it's done.

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili powder in the rub.

• You can use store-bought barbecue rub and sauce to save time, adjusting the quantities to your taste.

• Add a touch of smoked paprika to the rub for an extra smoky flavor.