Are you craving a smoky and flavorful BBQ dish that aligns with your carnivore or keto-focused lifestyle? Look no further than Delmarva BBQ chicken!
Known for its unique marinade and slow grilling technique, this dish is a regional favorite hailing from the Delmarva Peninsula. Perfect for backyard BBQs, keto-friendly gatherings, or just a weeknight treat, this recipe is all about simple ingredients and bold flavors tailored for meat lovers.
What Makes Delmarva BBQ Chicken Special?
The Delmarva BBQ style is famous for its signature marinade, which creates juicy, tender chicken with a smoky, charred finish. Unlike BBQs overloaded with sugary sauces, this recipe uses clean, carnivore-friendly ingredients that provide bursts of flavor without compromising your dietary goals. Plus, grilling gives the chicken a natural smokiness that resonates with your taste buds.
Get ready to savor every bite while staying true to your diet plan!
5 Reasons BBQ Enthusiasts Love This Recipe
- Carnivore-Compliant - No unnecessary fillers or sugary sauces; just pure protein and flavor.
- Simple Ingredients - Only a handful of pantry staples needed.
- Keto-Friendly - The perfect low-carb BBQ choice for keto dieters.
- Smoky Authentic Flavor - Channeling Delmarva’s classic grilling tradition.
- Easy to Cook - Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
Ingredients for Delmarva BBQ Chicken
To make this recipe truly carnivore-friendly, we've modified traditional Delmarva recipes by simplifying the marinade and cutting out any unnecessary sugars or carbs.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
(You can use drumsticks and thighs if preferred.)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
(Adds tang while staying low-carb.)
- ½ cup melted beef tallow or butter
(For rich, carnivore-approved moisture.)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
(Optional, but adds depth of smoky flavor.)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for added aroma)
Optional additions for non-strict carnivores: A squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of chili flakes.
Step-by-Step Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season generously with sea salt and black pepper. This step ensures that the skin gets beautifully crisp on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade
Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, melted beef tallow, smoked paprika, and minced garlic (if using). This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a basting sauce.
3. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results). Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
4. Preheat the Grill
Set up your grill for indirect heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side. For a gas grill, turn on one burner and leave the others off. Preheat to medium heat (around 350°F).
5. Slow Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken skin-side down on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Cover the grill and cook for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Sear for Crispy Skin
Once cooked, move the chicken to the direct heat side of the grill. Sear skin-side down for 3–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the grill, allow it to rest for 5 minutes, and serve with your favorite carnivore-approved side dishes.
Side Dish Suggestions for BBQ Lovers
While the focus of this recipe is on rich, juicy chicken, you can complete your meal with these carnivore-friendly sides:
- Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
A perfect keto-friendly pairing with smoky undertones.
- Buttery Cauliflower Mash
Low-carb and indulgent, it complements the tangy chicken perfectly.
- Crispy Pork Belly
Take your meat feast to the next level with this crunchy, salty side.
Expert Grilling Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep it Low and Slow - Patience is key when it comes to grilling the perfect chicken. Avoid rushing the process!
- Basters Beware - Only baste during the first 75% of grilling to ensure the meat absorbs the flavor without getting overly soggy.
- Charcoal Over Gas - For an authentic smoky flavor, grilling over charcoal is highly recommended. Add a chunk of hickory wood for an extra kick.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer - Perfect doneness without the guesswork ensures juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Why Delmarva BBQ Chicken is Perfect for Carnivore Dieters
Carnivore dieters often struggle to find flavorful recipes that align with their minimal-ingredient guidelines—but this Delmarva BBQ chicken hits the mark. By combining natural fats with high-quality protein, it provides a satiating and nutrient-dense option that’s as mouthwatering as it is practical. The tangy, smoky flavors make it feel like a gourmet indulgence while staying true to carnivore principles.
Whether you're a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a novice griller, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Fire Up Your Grill Tonight!
If you’re ready to elevate your BBQ game while staying true to your carnivore or keto diet, this Delmarva BBQ chicken recipe checks every box. Rich, smoky, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect addition to any backyard gathering or solo feast.
Love grilling as much as we do? Share your grilling creations using the hashtag #CarnivoreBBQ or drop your questions in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more BBQ recipes tailored to the carnivore lifestyle.
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