Barbecue chicken

Barbecue chicken is a beloved dish featuring chicken pieces marinated or coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce, then cooked over a grill, in an oven, or sometimes smoked. The sauce typically combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements like tomato, vinegar, sugar, and spices. While its roots are in American barbecue traditions, variations exist worldwide.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Barbecue chicken is a high-protein dish, making it great for muscle maintenance, and its fat content depends on the cut of chicken and sauce used. A typical serving (about 4-6 oz of meat with sauce) provides roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Niacin (B3)	10 mg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Vitamin B12	0.5 mcg
Selenium	30 mcg
Iron	1.5 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, barbecue chicken is a staple of American cookouts and regional styles, from Kansas City's sweet sauce to Carolina's vinegar-based versions. Nutritionally, the cooking method can reduce fat compared to frying, but the sauce often adds sugar and sodium.