Why You’ll Love this Foolproof BBQ Chicken
Simplicity is the secret behind this BBQ chicken recipe that’s about to become your new favorite. I’ve tested dozens of methods, and this one-bowl wonder beats them all. No complex techniques, just mix and cook.
What makes it truly special? Colman’s mustard powder—the key ingredient that transforms ordinary chicken into something magical. Trust me, substitutions won’t deliver that distinctive flavor.
I love how versatile it is. Microwave for a quick dinner, oven-bake for Sunday lunch, or grill for authentic BBQ flavor. Each method creates slightly different results, but they’re all delicious.
Pair with basmati rice and peas for a meal that’ll impress without the stress.
What Ingredients are in Foolproof BBQ Chicken?
This BBQ chicken recipe calls for a perfect blend of pantry staples that create a rich, savory-sweet sauce with just the right kick. What I love about this ingredient list is how accessible everything is—no need to hunt down specialty items at gourmet stores. The magic happens when these everyday ingredients come together in one bowl.
- 1 whole chicken, jointed (or 2 pounds of breast fillets)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoons tomato puree or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Colman’s English mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons rich soy sauce or ketjap manis
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon marine salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
The Colman’s mustard powder truly is non-negotiable if you want that authentic flavor—it’s the secret weapon in this recipe. Can’t stress this enough. When mixing your ingredients, aim for that dark orange color mentioned in the recipe. If it looks too dark, just add a bit more tomato puree to balance things out. And while the recipe works with either chicken pieces or breast fillets, I find that bone-in pieces develop more flavor during cooking, especially if you’re planning to grill.
How to Make this Foolproof BBQ Chicken
Making this BBQ chicken couldn’t be simpler—it’s the ultimate one-bowl wonder. Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1 whole chicken (jointed) or 2 pounds of breast fillets, 1 large finely chopped onion, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce, 1 tablespoon of Colman’s English mustard powder (remember, this is the KEY ingredient), 2 tablespoons of rich soy sauce or ketjap manis, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of marine salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of dry sherry. Toss everything into a large bowl and mix thoroughly until you achieve that distinctive dark orange color. If the mixture looks too dark, just add a touch more tomato puree to lighten it up.
Now comes the flexible part—you can cook this versatile chicken dish using whatever method you prefer. For oven baking (my personal favorite), transfer the chicken and sauce mixture to a covered baking dish and cook at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you’re pressed for time, the microwave option works surprisingly well—just place everything in a microwave-safe casserole with a lid, cook on high for 10 minutes, and then let it stand for 5 minutes to finish cooking in the residual heat.
Want that authentic BBQ experience? Grill the chicken pieces, basting regularly with the sauce, but know that this method creates a different end result without the saucy finish of the other cooking methods.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its foolproof nature—there’s really no wrong way to do it. Once cooked, the chicken should be tender and infused with that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Might I suggest serving it with fluffy basmati rice and bright green peas?
The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating the perfect complement to the flavorful chicken. And don’t worry about leftovers—they’re even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight in the fridge.
Foolproof BBQ Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While the core recipe creates a fantastic BBQ chicken dish, you’ll love how adaptable it can be with just a few simple swaps.
Can’t find Colman’s? In a pinch, Dijon works, though you’ll miss that signature tang.
Vegetarians in the family? I’ve used firm tofu with surprisingly delicious results.
No sherry hanging around? Apple juice makes a sweeter version that my kids actually prefer.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a tablespoon of honey instead of sugar when I’m feeling fancy.
And don’t be afraid to spice things up—a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne gives it a whole new personality.
What to Serve with Foolproof BBQ Chicken
Although the recipe mentions basmati rice and peas as a classic pairing, I’ve discovered so many delicious sides that complement this foolproof BBQ chicken perfectly.
Crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary work beautifully, soaking up that orangey sauce like little flavor sponges. A simple coleslaw adds invigorating crunch, while grilled corn on the cob feels like summer on a plate.
For something heartier, try a cold pasta salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
My personal favorite? Warm garlic bread for sauce-mopping duties. Who can resist that? Sweet potato fries also bring a complementary sweetness to the savory chicken.
Final Thoughts
After trying this BBQ chicken recipe countless times, I’m convinced it’s truly foolproof.
The secret Colman’s mustard powder transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary—don’t even think about substituting it.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility.
Oven-baked for a cozy winter dinner, stovetop for a quick weeknight meal, or grilled for that authentic smoky flavor when friends come over.
Each method creates a slightly different result, but all delicious.
