Choosing the Right Dutch Oven

When cooking Dutch Oven BBQ Chicken, it's important to choose the right Dutch oven. Look for a cast iron Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. The cast iron material ensures even heat distribution and retention, while the tight-fitting lid helps to lock in the moisture and flavors. A 12-inch Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, but you can adjust the recipe accordingly if you have a different size.

Prepping the Chicken

Before cooking the chicken, it's important to properly prep it. Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite barbecue rub. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Setting up the Dutch Oven

To cook the Dutch Oven BBQ Chicken, you'll need to set up your Dutch oven properly. Start by placing a few charcoal briquettes on the bottom of the Dutch oven. Arrange them in a circular pattern, leaving space in the center. Place a heatproof trivet or a few small rocks in the center to elevate the chicken pieces and prevent them from sticking to the bottom.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the Dutch oven is set up, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the trivet or rocks, making sure they are not touching the sides of the Dutch oven. Cover the Dutch ovenand place it over a bed of hot charcoal briquettes. Add some additional briquettes on top of the lid to create a consistent heat source. Let the chicken cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Adding the BBQ Sauce

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will give the chicken a deliciously sticky and caramelized glaze. Be sure to brush the sauce on both sides of the chicken pieces and let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to set.