Memphis BBQ chicken is a delicious regional style of barbecue chicken that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. With its trademark dry rub that delivers big bold flavors, Memphis BBQ chicken has become popular across the US. But what exactly sets this barbecue chicken apart? Let’s explore the history preparation, taste profile, and best cooking methods for Memphis BBQ chicken.
A Brief History of Memphis BBQ Chicken
While Memphis is perhaps best known for its pulled pork and dry rub ribs chicken has long been a staple of Tennessee barbecue. Memphis BBQ chicken emerged as its own distinct regional style during the mid-20th century.
Early recipes focused on simple seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper Over time, Memphis pitmasters started experimenting with more complex blends of spices to create signature dry rubs This technique allowed the chicken to develop a flavorful, caramelized bark without relying on a heavy barbecue sauce.
Today, dry rub Memphis BBQ chicken remains a local favorite and has gained national recognition. From backyard cookouts to competition barbecue, it’s becoming a staple across the country.
What Makes Memphis BBQ Chicken Unique?
There are a few key characteristics that set Memphis BBQ chicken apart from other regional barbecue styles:
The Dry Rub
Memphis BBQ chicken gets both its flavor and name from its trademark dry rub. This seasoned blend is applied liberally to the chicken before cooking. Common ingredients include:
- Brown sugar or turbinado sugar – helps form a caramelized bark
- Smoked paprika – provides a savory, smoky flavor
- Garlic powder – brings a robust, aromatic quality
- Onion powder – adds subtle sweetness
- Chili powder – supplies heat and smokiness
- Black pepper – contributes an earthy spice
- Cayenne pepper – brings additional heat
The sugar in the rub caramelizes during cooking to form a crispy, flavorsome exterior called the bark. This seals in the chicken’s natural juices.
Cooking Technique
Memphis BBQ chicken is prepared using indirect heat and smoke. The chicken cooks slowly over low heat, allowing the dry rub to fully permeate the meat.
Traditional Memphis BBQ chicken is never flipped during cooking. This prevents the bark from falling off. Pitmasters rely on temperature rather than visual cues to determine doneness.
Flavor Profile
The dry rub gives Memphis BBQ chicken a complex medley of sweet, spicy, savory, and smoky flavors. It packs a punch but tends to be less tongue-searingly hot than other regional barbecue styles like Nashville hot chicken.
The chicken takes on mild smokiness from the cooking process. Since it isn’t sauced, the natural flavors of the poultry and seasonings shine through.
Sauce on the Side
While Memphis BBQ chicken isn’t cooked with sauce, it’s often served with sauce on the side. Traditional Memphis-style barbecue sauce has a tomato base with molasses or brown sugar.
The sauce complements but never overpowers the chicken. Diners can control how much sauce they use. Purists argue the dry rub bark is flavorful enough on its own.
How to Make Authentic Memphis BBQ Chicken at Home
Here are some tips for making true Memphis-style BBQ chicken:
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Select the right chicken cuts: Thighs and drumsticks work best, as they stay moist during low, slow cooking. Leave the skin on for maximum flavor.
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Plan ahead: Rub the chicken the night before cooking to let the spices penetrate deeply.
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Use indirect heat: Set up a two-zone fire in your grill with no heat directly under the chicken.
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Add smoke: Use wood chips, chunks, or logs to infuse smoky flavor. Hickory and pecan are classic Memphis woods.
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Control the temperature: Maintain a temperature between 275-300°F.
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Resist flipping: Don’t flip the chicken during cooking to avoid losing the rub.
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Check doneness with a thermometer: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Why Memphis BBQ Chicken is so Satisfying
Beyond its sheer tastiness, there are a few reasons Memphis BBQ chicken has become so beloved:
It’s versatile. Memphis BBQ chicken works for backyard barbecues, game day snacks, or restaurant entrées. It can be served bone-in or pulled. The flavors even translate well to chicken wings.
It’s budget-friendly. Unlike specialty cuts like brisket and ribs, chicken thighs and drumsticks are economical. Home cooks can replicate authentic Memphis BBQ chicken without breaking the bank.
It’s customizable. Cooks can easily dial the heat up or down. The sauce can be served on the side to suit personal tastes.
It’s crowd-pleasing. The balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and smoky appeals to most palates. Even picky eaters or those who don’t like heavily sauced barbecue tend to enjoy it.
It’s year-round. Memphis BBQ chicken isn’t just for summer. It’s as satisfying in winter as it is on a hot summer day.
It’s easy to master. With the right technique and a killer dry rub, even novice cooks can make drool-worthy Memphis BBQ chicken at home.
Key Takeaways About Memphis BBQ Chicken
Memphis BBQ chicken is a regional barbecue specialty with a distinct flavor profile. Here are the key characteristics of this Tennessee classic:
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It relies on a sweet and spicy dry rub rather than barbecue sauce during cooking.
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It’s prepared using indirect heat and smoke, without flipping the chicken.
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It delivers a medley of sweet, spicy, smoky, and savory flavors.
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It can be served with or without sauce on the side.
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Chicken thighs and drumsticks work best to stay moist and juicy.
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Allowing time for the dry rub to penetrate is crucial.
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Mastering temperature control and avoiding flipping are keys to success.
With its signature crusty, caramelized bark and richly seasoned meat, Memphis BBQ chicken is truly one of America’s great regional barbecue traditions. Its addictive flavors and simple preparation help explain its lasting popularity. Next time you fire up the grill or smoker, give this Southern specialty a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
Slab of Ribs
Marinated overnight & slow-smoked to perfection. Served wet, dry or half & half.
Smoked Hot Wings
Wet, Naked, Jerked, Dry Spice, Honey Gold or Sweet Heat.
Memphis Natives Try Each Other’s BBQ Chicken
FAQ
What makes Memphis BBQ different?
Memphis BBQ is distinct for its focus on pork, particularly ribs and pulled pork, often prepared with a dry rub and a tangy, tomato-based sauce. The dry rub, a blend of spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne, is a defining characteristic, providing a flavorful crust as the meat cooks.
What is Memphis-style barbecue chicken?
Memphis style barbecue sauce is tomato based, often contains some mustard, gets its tang from cider vinegar, is sweetened with brown sugar and has a little heat from cayenne or hot sauce. Most makers also add liquid smoke to their Memphis style barbecue sauce since smoke is a signature flavor of barbecue.
What is the difference between Nashville hot chicken and Memphis hot chicken?
So, what sets Memphis Chicken apart? The Dry Rub: Unlike Nashville Hot Chicken, which is typically drenched in a spicy sauce, Memphis Chicken primarily focuses on a spicy and flavorful dry rub.
What flavor is Memphis BBQ?
Memphis style BBQ starts with a dry rub and is smoked with the meat off to the side for a more indirect heat that imparts a delicious smoky flavor. Memphis pitmasters often combine lightly smoky woods like peach, apple and pecan with a little hickory to add a little more of that smoky flavor.