TREND BITES:
American BBQ
Now that it’s summer, we’re exploring ways to combine two of our favorite things: barbecue and chicken! Traditionally, American barbecue uses pork and often has slow grilling processes that result in tender, flavor-packed meat. Because that’s not always possible for small kitchens without extra staff or appliances, we have some tips to help you recreate the iconic flavors of regional barbecue using just fully cooked chicken, your fryer or oven, and BBQ sauce. Soon, you’ll be able to get your customers curious about a new “Carolina-Style BBQ Sandwich” or “Memphis-Style BBQ Lunch Special.”
Summer = BBQ
Just how much do Americans love summertime BBQ? Unsurprisingly, Google searches for BBQ nearly double in the summer months, and it’s not just because people are searching for ideas to use on their backyard grills. The number one BBQ related Google search is “BBQ near me,” so get out there and start promoting your BBQ options!
Memphis BBQ
One of the most distinct styles of BBQ in the US can be found in Memphis, where they use a dry rub technique that includes up to 40 spices. After applying the dry rub, chefs—or pitmasters—slow cook the meat in a pit for as long as possible, which gives it an incredibly robust flavor and juicy bite. Sauce is added on the side, and this BBQ is often served with coleslaw.
Serve a simple, yet super tasty Memphis-style BBQ in your operation by slow cooking unbreaded chicken filets in broth or by applying a dry rub before baking them. Prepare this delectable Memphis-style BBQ sauce to serve on the side.
Serve a simple, yet super tasty Memphis-style BBQ in your operation by slow cooking unbreaded chicken filets in broth or by applying a dry rub before baking them. Prepare this delectable Memphis-style BBQ sauce to serve on the side.
Carolina BBQ
The Carolinas are famous for their tangy barbecue dishes and their use of mop sauce, or a thin vinegar-based sauce they paint onto slow-roasting hogs. North and South Carolina use similar methods to cook the hogs but use different sauces. In North Carolina, BBQ flavors tend to feature vinegar, while South Carolina uses mustard. Pick whichever flavor you like better to create a delicious Carolina BBQ meal.
Prepare chicken filets or wings and use Carolina's mop sauce technique to apply your own mixture of spice and vinegar while the chicken is hot. Add sauce and serve with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and hushpuppies.
Prepare chicken filets or wings and use Carolina's mop sauce technique to apply your own mixture of spice and vinegar while the chicken is hot. Add sauce and serve with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and hushpuppies.
Kansas City BBQ
There are over 100 barbecue restaurants in Kansas City, and they barbecue beef, chicken, pork, and more. Their sugary, tangy, tomato/molasses sauce is what we know as mainstream BBQ sauce across the country, and they are also the creators of the wildly popular burnt ends.
Burnt ends were originally made from smoked brisket and sold for a bargain as the leftover, undesirable parts of the meat. Once people realized those fatty pieces of meat were the most delicious, they became everyone’s favorite part. We made a chicken version of burnt ends using diced chicken, pickles, and cornbread cubes on skewers. Get the recipe!
Burnt ends were originally made from smoked brisket and sold for a bargain as the leftover, undesirable parts of the meat. Once people realized those fatty pieces of meat were the most delicious, they became everyone’s favorite part. We made a chicken version of burnt ends using diced chicken, pickles, and cornbread cubes on skewers. Get the recipe!
Try these sauces on your favorite chicken products!
South Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce
South Carolina's BBQ sauce always features mustard, so if you want an easy way to feature South Carolina-style BBQ on your menu, use this Mustard BBQ Sauce on your favorite chicken wings!
Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce
Memphis BBQ uses a thin sauce with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Use this Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce recipe on unbreaded filets for a quick, simple BBQ meal.
Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce
Use this Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce on sandwiches and wings. The hint of vinegar is just enough to add a Carolina-inspired flavor without being overpowering. We love this sauce on sandwiches with our Pulled and Shredded Chicken and coleslaw.
Texas BBQ
In Texas BBQ, they focus strongly on the meat and the BBQ dry rub. They usually don't add a sauce or even serve many sides with their barbecued entrees. Their favorite meat to barbecue is beef, and you can find BBQ beef brisket on menus across the state.
Alabama BBQ
One option for serving sauce is to do it Alabama-style, where you only add sauce after the meat is cooked, and often it's served on the side instead of on the meat itself. Alabama is known for its white sauce, which you can buy in several pre-made varieties, and we think it pairs very nicely with chicken wings!
Other BBQ Chicken Ideas from our Recipe Library
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