Preparing the Chicken

To start, you'll need to prepare the chicken for cooking. Begin by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Setting up the Dutch Oven

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the Dutch oven. Place a layer of charcoal briquettes on the bottom of the Dutch oven and light them using a charcoal chimney or lighter fluid. Let the briquettes burn until they turn gray and are covered in ash. Once ready, arrange the briquettes in a circular pattern to create an even heat source.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the Dutch oven is set up, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the Dutch oven, skin side up. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and arrange additional charcoal briquettes on top of the lid. This will create a convection-like environment, allowing the chicken to cook evenly. Cook the chicken for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Adding the BBQ Glaze

When the chicken is almost done, it's time to add the BBQ glaze. Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and brushthe chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Be generous with the sauce, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Place the lid back on the Dutch oven and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a delicious sticky coating on the chicken.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the BBQ glaze is caramelized, it's time to remove it from the Dutch oven. Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve the Dutch oven BBQ chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.