North Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken Halves on the Blackstone Pellet Grill

Deliciously Smoky and Tender

North Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken Halves are a must-try! Cooking them low and slow on the Blackstone Pellet Grill makes them tender, juicy, and rich in smoky flavor. You can expect crispy skin and smoky meat, all topped with a zesty Eastern NC-style vinegar BBQ sauce. This is Carolina barbecue done right, y’all! Whether you're reppin’ the Tar Heel State or just love bold BBQ flavor, this recipe is worth firing up the grill for.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

- 4 chicken halves

- 4 tbsp Uncle Steve Shake SPG

- 4 tbsp Hussey's Heifer Dust

- 4 tbsp BBQ rub

• For the BBQ Sauce:

- 1 cup ketchup

- 1 cup apple cider vinegar

- 1/2 cup water

- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

- 1 1/2 tsp pepper

- 1 tsp Texas Pete hot sauce

- 1 tbsp onion powder

- 1 tbsp garlic powder

- 1/2 tsp ginger powder

- 2 tbsp brown sugar

- Pinch MSG

- 1 tsp Heifer Dust

- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

- 1 tbsp butter

Hussey's Heifer Dust

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Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Season 2 chicken halves with Uncle Steve's Shake SPG. Apply it liberally. For the other two chicken halves, apply Heifer Dust generously. Finally, sprinkle BBQ rub evenly on all the chicken pieces.

   
   

2. Preheat the Smoker

   Set your smoker to 350 degrees. Place the chicken in the smoker once it's preheated. Make sure to add a thermometer to the meat to monitor the internal temperature. Check the chicken after 30 minutes.

   
   

3. Make the BBQ Sauce

   For the BBQ sauce, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and water in a warmed pan. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.

   
   

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

   Incorporate the rest of the sauce ingredients—minus the butter—into the mix. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add the butter, and place the pan on a preheated griddle. Stir until it is fully melted and incorporated.

   
   

5. Cook the Chicken

   After 30 minutes in the smoker, check the chicken. Rotate it to ensure even cooking. Let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees, which should take about another 30 minutes. Once the chicken hits 155 degrees, transfer it to an aluminum pan.

   
   

6. Finish with BBQ Sauce

   Ladle the sauce generously over each chicken half, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it back into the smoker. Allow the chicken to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, remove the chicken, dip it in the sauce, and enjoy!

   
   

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken

• Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your chicken depends largely on the spices and sauce you use. Invest in good quality BBQ rubs and sauces for the best results.

  
  

• Monitor the Temperature: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. This will help you achieve that juicy, tender texture.

  
  

• Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting it. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.

  
  

This recipe showcases why North Carolina BBQ is beloved by many. The juicy chicken, crispy skin, and flavorful sauce come together to create a memorable dish. Bring a taste of the South to your family gatherings with this delicious BBQ chicken recipe!