Why You’ll Love this Easy BBQ Chicken
Convenience is the magic word when it comes to this BBQ chicken recipe.
I’m talking about a true one-bowl wonder that practically makes itself. You’ll adore how everything—yes, every single ingredient—gets tossed together before cooking. No marinating overnight, no complicated techniques.
Want dinner ready in under 20 minutes? This recipe delivers. The versatility is remarkable too. Microwave it for a quick meal, oven-bake it for that lovely caramelization, or actually grill it for authentic BBQ flavor.
The sauce develops this gorgeous dark orange color that signals pure deliciousness.
And with Colman’s mustard powder? Trust me, that’s where the magic happens.
What Ingredients are in Easy BBQ Chicken?
This BBQ chicken recipe is all about simple, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully without any fuss. The combination might seem eclectic at first glance—soy sauce, mustard powder, and tomato purée?—but trust me, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that makes this dish truly special. The best part? You probably have most of these items in your pantry already.
- 1 whole chicken, jointed (or 2 pounds of chicken breast fillets)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoons tomato purée or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Colman’s English mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons rich soy sauce or ketjap manis
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon marine salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
The Colman’s mustard powder deserves special mention here—it’s highlighted as the KEY ingredient for authentic flavor, so try not to substitute it if possible. And about that sauce color? You’re looking for a dark orange hue when mixing everything together. If your sauce looks too dark, just add a bit more tomato purée to lighten it up. This recipe works wonderfully with basmati rice and peas on the side, creating a complete meal that’s both satisfying and impressive for how little effort it requires.
How to Make this Easy BBQ Chicken
The beauty of this BBQ chicken recipe is how ridiculously simple it’s to prepare. Are you ready for possibly the easiest cooking instructions ever?
Take ALL the ingredients—your jointed chicken (or 2 pounds of breast fillets), 1 large finely chopped onion, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons of tomato purée, 1 tablespoon of Colman’s English mustard powder, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of marine salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of dry sherry—and put them in a bowl.
That’s right, everything goes in at once. Mix it all together until you achieve that signature dark orange color. If your mixture looks too dark, just add a touch more tomato purée to lighten it up.
Now comes the flexible part—you can cook this versatile dish using practically any method you prefer. For microwave cooking, transfer the chicken mixture to a casserole dish with a lid, cook on high for 10 minutes, then let it stand for another 5 minutes before serving.
Personally, I find that oven or stovetop methods develop the flavors more fully, creating a rich sauce that’s absolutely divine with basmati rice. If you’re actually planning to barbecue the chicken, know that this will create a different end result compared to the other methods—you’ll get beautifully flavored chicken but without the sauce that makes the oven and stovetop versions so delicious.
The sauce is what makes this dish truly special, soaking into your accompanying rice and bringing everything together on your plate. For an authentic Asian twist to your BBQ chicken, consider using a premium Thai cooking set that includes essential tools and ingredients for more exotic flavors. For Asian-inspired meals with similar sauces, a wok cooking set can elevate your culinary results with its high-heat capabilities and versatile cooking surface. And remember, with this recipe, there’s really no wrong way to do it—the flavor combination works its magic regardless of your cooking method.
Easy BBQ Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While Colman’s English mustard powder serves as the key ingredient in this BBQ chicken recipe, you can still create delicious variations with several easy substitutions.
If you’re out of tomato purée, ketchup works in a pinch—just reduce the sugar slightly. No sherry? Try white wine or even apple juice for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarians might enjoy this sauce on firm tofu or tempeh.
I love adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika when I’m craving extra smokiness, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
You could also toss in chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. The possibilities are endless, aren’t they?
What to Serve with Easy BBQ Chicken
Now that we’ve explored different ways to customize your BBQ chicken, let’s talk about what goes on the plate beside it. The recipe creator recommends basmati rice and peas, which I can confirm is a perfect pairing. The fluffy, aromatic rice soaks up all that delicious orangey sauce while the peas add a pop of color and freshness.
Other stellar options? A crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob.
Roasted vegetables work beautifully too, especially if you’re baking the chicken in the oven. Can you imagine sweet potato wedges alongside that rich, tomato-based sauce?
Final Thoughts
Three reasons make this BBQ chicken recipe an absolute keeper for any home cook’s collection. First, its simplicity is unmatched—just toss everything in a bowl and cook it your preferred way. Second, the versatility means you can microwave, bake, or grill depending on your mood or schedule. Third, that Colmans mustard powder creates a distinctive flavor you simply can’t replicate with substitutes.
I’m convinced this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. The balance of tomato, soy, and mustard creates that perfect orangey sauce that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken. Why not try it this weekend? For an amazing flavor pairing, serve alongside a homemade salsa that’s been properly preserved through water bath canning.
