How to Make Smoked Barbecue Chicken at Home Without a Smoker or Grill

Do you want to enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of barbecue chicken without the need for a smoker or grill? It might seem a bit daunting, but with the right techniques and ingredients, achieving that perfect smoky taste is entirely possible in your very own kitchen. In this guide, we will explore how to make smoked barbecue chicken using liquid smoke, and provide three delicious recipes to help you get started.

Understanding Liquid Smoke: The Key to Achieving Smoked Flavor

While the idea of making smoked barbecue chicken without a smoker or grill might sound unconventional, it’s more than feasible thanks to liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is a condiment made by condensing smoke and is available in most supermarkets. It has the distinctive flavor of smoke without the need for open flames or smokers.

However, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. Excessive use of liquid smoke can overpower your dish’s flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. You can add it to your marinade or rub, or even mist it during the cooking process to enhance the smoky aroma and flavor.

marinade and rub technique for smoked flavor

Homemade Smoky Marinade: Create a homemade marinade or rub by blending a few ingredients. In a blender, combine a few cloves of garlic, a small onion, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a touch of liquid smoke, and dried thyme. Drizzle in some vegetable oil to emulsify the mixture. Pour this combination over skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs. Let the potatoes marinate for at least four hours.

Cooking Method: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs on a racks of a baking sheet and roast them until they reach an internal temperature of about 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, brush the thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce and return them to the oven or under the broiler until the sauce is reduced and glazes the chicken, adding a slightly charred texture.

Grilling With a Kettle Grill

If you have a kettle grill, such as a Weber, you can easily achieve the smoky flavor of barbecue chicken without a dedicated smoker. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a preheated grill. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, basting with barbecue sauce as needed.

BBQ Chicken in the Oven: A No-Grill Option

For those without a kettle grill, cooking barbecue chicken in the oven is a perfect alternative. Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are the ideal choice for their juiciness and flavorful skin. Season them with salt and pepper, place them on a baking sheet, skin-side up, and roast until they reach about 150 degrees Fahrenheit internally. Brush with barbecue sauce and return them to the oven until cooked through, and the sauce reduces and glazes the meat. A crispy, slightly charred edge can add to the flavor.

Pulled BBQ Chicken in a Slow Cooker

For a more tender and flavorful option, try making pulled BBQ chicken in a slow cooker. Place chicken quarters in a slow cooker with water. Cook on high for two hours and then on low for three hours. Remove and cut the chicken into 1-inch strips, then run it through a sieve to make chicken broth for mashed potatoes or rice.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken: Place the chicken in a small slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce and heat on medium for two hours. The tender and shredded chicken is perfect for a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich or as a side dish. Enjoy!