Quick Answer
It is recommended to cook the chicken partially before adding barbecue sauce. This allows the chicken to develop flavor and helps the sauce stick to the meat better. However, you don’t need to fully cook the chicken, as the sauce will continue cooking it. Cook for 5-10 minutes per side, until just lightly browned, before basting with sauce.
When to Apply Barbecue Sauce
There are a few different approaches to when to put barbecue sauce on chicken:
After Parcooking
It’s best to parcook the chicken before saucing it. This means cooking it for a short time on each side, just until it starts to brown. Here are the reasons why:
- It helps the chicken develop flavor from browning.
- The sauce will stick to and coat the chicken better after some browning occurs.
- Parcooking evaporates some moisture from the chicken, so the sauce doesn’t get too watered down.
Aim to cook the chicken for about 5-10 minutes per side before applying sauce. You want it lightly browned but not fully cooked through yet.
During the Last 5-10 Minutes
Another option is to cook the chicken most of the way, then add sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time. This allows the sauce to caramelize and cook into the chicken.
Just be careful not to burn the sugars in the sauce. Keep a close eye on it and lower the heat if needed.
After Full Cooking
You can also fully cook the chicken first, then add the sauce afterward. This prevents burning or overcaramelizing the sauce.
However, the sauce won’t penetrate the chicken as well. It’s best for sauces you just want to coat the outside of the meat with.
Tips for Saucing Chicken
Here are some tips for getting the best results when saucing chicken:
Use Thicker Sauces
Thick, sticky barbecue sauces coat better than thin, vinegar-based sauces. Go for sauces labelled “sweet and sticky” or add some honey to thin sauces.
Baste Frequently
Baste the chicken with sauce every 5 minutes or so to build up layers of flavor. Use a brush or spoon to coat the chicken.
Watch the Heat
Cook sauced chicken over medium heat instead of high. This prevents burning. If the sauce starts browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Let it Rest
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Brush with extra sauce before serving.
How Long to Cook Sauced Chicken
Cook times will vary based on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces. Use these general guidelines:
| Chicken Cut | Parcook Time | Total Cook Time with Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 5-10 minutes per side | 15-25 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | 8-12 minutes per side | 20-30 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 10-15 minutes | 25-35 minutes |
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. If in doubt, you can always cook a bit longer.
Conclusion
Parcooking chicken before adding barbecue sauce helps develop flavor and makes the sauce stick better. Aim to cook until just lightly browned, about 5-10 minutes per side, before basting with sauce. Use thick, sticky sauces and baste frequently for best results. Cook over medium heat and monitor temperature closely to prevent burning. Let chicken rest before serving for maximum juiciness. Properly sauced barbecue chicken is finger-lickin’ good!