March 15, 2023

Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Chicken

With homemade sauce, this BBQ chicken is sure to impress

chicken leg smothered in barbecue sauce

Instead of using pre-packaged barbecue sauce, which often contains high fructose corn syrup and tends to be very high in sodium, this recipe calls for more natural sources of sugar, including honey and molasses, and no added salt. With plenty of flavor in healthy ingredients, garlic is also good for your heart, while cayenne pepper and ginger provide anti-inflammatory protection.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons (3 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken (breasts, drumsticks), skinless

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients except chicken in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Wash chicken and pat dry. Place on large platter and brush with half of sauce mixture.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour.
  5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and broil for 10 minutes on each side to seal in juices.
  6. Turn oven to 350 F and add remaining sauce to chicken. Cover chicken with aluminum foil and continue baking for 30 minutes.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 6 servings
Serving size = one piece

Calories: 176
Fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: <1 g
Sodium: 199 mg
Protein: 27 g
Carbohydrate: 7 g
Sugars: 4 g
Dietary fiber: 1 g

Keep the Beat: Heart Healthy Recipes from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2003).

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Turkey burger with cilantro, scallions and ginger on be of mixed greens
March 26, 2024
Recipe: Turkey Patties With Cilantro, Scallions and Ginger

An Asian-flavored burger topped with avocado

Mexican-style street food fish tacos
March 22, 2024
20 Healthy Mexican Recipes

From Taco Tuesday to Salsa Sunday (yes, we made that up), these nutritious Mexican-inspired dishes are sure to please

Cooked eggplant halves over marinara pasta and cooked broccolini
March 21, 2024
Recipe: Eggplant and Broccolini Parmesan

A delicious twist on this classic dish

pumpkin ravioli with mushroom sauce
February 22, 2024
Recipe: Pumpkin Ravioli With Wild Mushrooms

A satisfying and savory meal sure to impress family and friends

Shepherd's pie casserole in cast iron pan
January 26, 2024
10 Healthy Casserole Recipes To Try

Whether as a main dish, a side or even a dessert, casseroles are the ultimate comfort food

cinnamon thyme chicken breasts
December 21, 2023
Herb-Friendly Recipe: Baked Cinnamon-Thyme Chicken

This entrée packs plenty of flavor — and plenty of health benefits

falafel on plate with spoons of sauce
December 17, 2023
Recipe: Falafel With Zesty Yogurt Sauce

A delicious dish alone, atop field greens or in a pita pocket stuffed with veggies!

Plate  of grilled chicken on a bed of wheat pasta and cooked spinach on a wooden table
December 6, 2023
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Pasta With Spinach and Garlic

Healthier noodles and lighter fare

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad