Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken

You may think you’ve tried every BBQ chicken recipe out there, but have you tried Carolina-style? Instead of the usual thick tomato-based sauce, Carolina barbecue uses a tangy mustard and vinegar base for a delicious, savory sauce that doesn’t overpower the meat. It’s light enough to brush on multiple times during grilling, while still creating that classic BBQ chicken caramelized finish. With crispy skin, smoky flavor, and a signature tangy finish, this regional favorite just might become your new favorite way to grill chicken.

Recipe for Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless TBS chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Carolina BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat (375–400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.

2. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil. Combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl, then season the chicken evenly.

3. Make the Carolina-Style Sauce
Whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and melted butter until smooth.

4. Grill the Chicken
Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side with the lid closed. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. Begin brushing the Carolina BBQ sauce over the chicken during the last several minutes of cooking. Turn the chicken once or twice, brushing on additional sauce after each turn, until the sauce lightly caramelizes and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Rest and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional Carolina BBQ sauce on the side.

Butcher’s Tips for Success

• Marinate for more flavor: Coat the chicken with half of the Carolina sauce and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours before grilling.
• Make it in the oven: Bake the seasoned chicken breasts at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, brushing on the Carolina sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a lightly caramelized finish, broil for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
• Serving suggestions: The tangy sauce pairs well with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob.

Looking for More Grilled Chicken Recipes?

Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Grilled Chicken & Homemade Pesto Sandwich
Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken

What is Carolina-style BBQ chicken?

Carolina-style BBQ chicken is grilled chicken coated in a tangy sauce made with yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar. Unlike traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces, Carolina sauce delivers a bright, zesty flavor that complements the chicken instead of overpowering it.

How long does it take to grill boneless chicken breasts?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat, depending on their thickness. Always cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.

Can I make Carolina BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the Carolina barbecue sauce up to one week in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. You can also season the chicken several hours before grilling to help the flavors develop.

Can I use this recipe with other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely. This recipe also works well with boneless chicken thighs, bone-in chicken pieces, wings, and drumsticks. Simply adjust the cooking time and always cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I keep grilled chicken breasts from drying out?

In our experience, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly. We also recommend grilling over medium heat, brushing on the sauce during the final minutes of cooking, and removing the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Put Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop

You don’t need complicated techniques for great barbecue. You just need the right balance of seasoning, heat, and quality ingredients. At The Butcher Shop, we carry the high-quality ingredients you need to put a delicious meal on your family’s table. All of our meats are 100% natural and come from farms right here in Southern Oregon. You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, freshly baked breads, and even 100% natural all-meat dog food. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.