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Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken

Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken: A Sweet Twist on BBQ Fun

Experience the unique flavors of Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken, a delightful twist on classic BBQ that's quick and family-friendly.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 drumsticks
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the onion; vegetable oil can be substituted.
  • 1 medium sweet onion Use yellow onion if needed.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced; garlic powder can be used for milder taste.
  • 1 cup chopped rhubarb Base for the sauce; sour cherries can be a replacement.
  • 1 cup ketchup Adds sweetness; tomato sauce can be a milder alternative.
  • ½ cup water Adjusts sauce consistency.
  • cup apricot preserves Sweetens and thickens the sauce; peach preserves can be used.
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar Provides acidity; white vinegar may be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons molasses Richness can be substituted with brown sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Dijon mustard Regular mustard can be used.
  • 1 piece chipotle pepper in adobo sauce Imparts heat; cayenne pepper can be used for spiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon barbecue seasoning Homemade blends can be used.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential seasonings.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks Ensure to select the freshest quality.

Equipment

  • grill
  • medium saucepan
  • Immersion blender
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté one chopped sweet onion until it turns tender and translucent, about 4-6 minutes.
  2. Add in one minced garlic clove and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup of chopped rhubarb, 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup water, ⅓ cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon honey Dijon mustard, a diced chipotle pepper, and 1 teaspoon barbecue seasoning.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the rhubarb softens, approximately 8-10 minutes. Blend the sauce for a smooth consistency and set aside 2 cups for serving.
  4. Mix the remaining barbecue seasoning (about 2 tablespoons) with salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture all over 2 pounds of chicken drumsticks.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grill rack. Place seasoned chicken over indirect heat and grill for about 15 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken drumsticks to cook evenly, and continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 170°-175°F.
  7. During the last few minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved Rhubarb-Apricot sauce.
  8. Once grilled, transfer chicken to a serving platter and generously drizzle with the reserved sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drumstickCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure chicken doneness with a meat thermometer; reserve sauce before marinating to avoid cross-contamination.

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