Ingredients
Scale
For a carnivore-friendly version of Delmarva BBQ Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks (preferably dark meat for better flavor and moisture).
- Seasonings: 1 tbsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper.
- BBQ Sauce (Carnivore Edition):
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup melted beef tallow or another animal fat
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
Optional: Butter for basting during grilling to add a richer taste and moisture to the chicken.
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with sea salt and black pepper. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate. This resting time also ensures that your chicken cooks more evenly on the grill. - Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is resting, mix the apple cider vinegar, melted beef tallow, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl. This mixture will serve as your tangy and carnivore-friendly BBQ sauce. - Preheat the Grill
Next, set your grill to medium heat. For optimal results, create a two-zone fire setup. That means having one section of your grill with direct heat and another section with indirect heat. This method allows you to cook the chicken thoroughly without burning the skin. - Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken skin-side down on the indirect heat area of the grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes until the skin is crispy and begins to render its fat. Then, flip the chicken and begin basting it generously with the Delmarva BBQ sauce. Continue grilling the chicken for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If necessary, move the chicken to the direct heat side to achieve a final crisping. - Rest and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite.