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Two grilled bbq chicken halves, smoked and seasoned to perfection, rest on a wooden cutting board. In the background, a red plate with rice and a fork adds color to this inviting outdoor scene on a metal surface.
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Halves

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Halves are seasoned with AB’s Sweet BBQ Rub, cooked until juicy, and finished with AB BBQ Sauce mixed with honey for a sticky BBQ glaze.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole chickens split in half
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 to 4 tbsp AB’s Sweet BBQ Rub
  • 1 ½ cups AB BBQ Sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Optional BBQ Poultry Rub
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill to 325°F to 350°F. Set the grill up for two-zone cooking, with one side for indirect heat and one side for direct heat. This lets the chicken cook through gently before finishing over hotter heat.
  • Pat the chicken halves dry with paper towels. Coat each chicken half with olive oil. Season all sides generously with AB’s Sweet BBQ Rub. (Alternatively use BBQ Poultry Rub)
  • Place the chicken halves on the indirect heat side of the grill, skin side up. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping occasionally so it cooks evenly.
  • While the chicken cooks, mix AB BBQ Sauce and honey in a bowl until smooth. Set the sauce aside until the chicken is almost done.
  • Once the chicken reaches about 150°F in the breast, brush both sides with the honey BBQ sauce. Move the chicken closer to the direct heat side of the grill.
  • Continue grilling for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping and brushing with more sauce until the outside is sticky, glossy, and lightly caramelized. Keep an eye on the sauce so it does not burn.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill when the breast reaches 165°F and the thigh reaches 175°F to 185°F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving so the juices can settle.
  • Serve warm with extra AB BBQ Sauce on the side.

Notes

  • AB’s Sweet BBQ Rub gives the chicken a sweet, smoky BBQ flavor, but the optional poultry rub works if you need a homemade substitute.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
  • For a stickier finish, brush on one final light layer of honey BBQ sauce right before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 3819kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 287g | Fat: 259g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 53g | Monounsaturated Fat: 116g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1143mg | Sodium: 3448mg | Potassium: 3360mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 59g | Vitamin A: 8021IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 260mg | Iron: 18mg