Savor the bold, smoky flavors of this Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe Carnivore diets—juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a simple, meaty twist.
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Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe Carnivore
- Total Time: 1hr 5min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This is BBQ chicken, but dialed in for carnivore clarity. No sugary sauces. No carbs. Just juicy, flavorful meat marinated in a zippy vinegar mix, seared to perfection over glowing coals. It’s bold, primal, and perfectly adapted to a meat-based diet—without sacrificing a lick of flavor from the Delmarva tradition.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp tallow or melted beef fat (or butter)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried mustard
- 1 tsp ground sage (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, melted tallow, and spices.
Marinate the chicken:
- Add chicken to a resealable bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
ire up the grill:
- Use a charcoal grill for authentic flavor. Set up for indirect heat by banking coals to one side.
Grill the chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry for crispier skin.
- Grill skin-side down over indirect heat, covered, for 45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Finish over direct heat for 10–15 minutes, until skin crisps and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
Rest & serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to retain juices. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Strict carnivore? Omit vinegar or swap with lemon juice.
- Want deeper flavor? Marinate for up to 24 hours.
- Crispier skin tip: Pat chicken dry before grilling and finish over high heat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 90 mins
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Southern BBQ
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 1g
Cooking : How Long to Grill Delmarva BBQ Chicken?
Low and slow is the name of the game. Total cook time should run 60–75 minutes depending on your grill’s heat output. Always use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is your golden number.
What to Serve with Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe Carnivore
For strict carnivores:
- Grilled beef liver
- Bacon-wrapped bone marrow
- Pan-fried duck eggs
For relaxed carnivore or keto followers:
- Charred zucchini
- Creamy cauliflower mash
- Fermented pickled onions (sparingly)
Reheating Instructions for Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe Carnivore
From fridge:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C)
- Wrap chicken in foil with a spoonful of fat or broth
- Heat for 10–15 minutes until warmed through
From freezer:
- Thaw in fridge overnight
- Follow regular reheating instructions above
Freezing Tips:
- Cool chicken completely
- Wrap in foil or vacuum-seal
- Freeze for up to 3 months
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Sure, but bone-in keeps the meat juicier and adds more flavor.
Is apple cider vinegar carnivore-approved?
It’s a gray area. Many carnivores use it in moderation. You can also sub with lemon juice or omit.
How is Delmarva BBQ different from Carolina BBQ?
Delmarva BBQ focuses on chicken and tangy, non-sweet vinegar marinades. Carolina BBQ is more diverse (especially with pork) and often includes tomato or mustard bases.