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belizean bbq chicken recipe

Belizean BBQ Chicken Recipe

This Belizean BBQ chicken is bold, smoky, and full of warm backyard flavor. With simple steps—lime washing, a rich seasoning paste, and layered BBQ sauce—you can create glossy, tender, authentic Belize-style chicken right at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Belizean, Caribbean
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • 1 lime for washing
Seasoning Mix
  • 1 medium onion grated finely
  • 2 tbsp seasoned salt
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp liquid smoke use less for a lighter smoky taste
BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce sweet, smooth style
Optional Swap
  • Salt + pepper + garlic powder if you don’t have seasoned salt

Equipment

  • 1 Baking pan For baking the chicken in the oven.
  • 1 Mixing bowl For seasoning the chicken.
  • 1 Grater For grating the onion.
  • 1 Tongs or Spatula For flipping the chicken gently.
  • 1 Resealable Bag or Container For marinating the chicken.
  • 1 Oven Set to 400°F (204°C).

Method
 

Wash and Prep the Chicken
  1. Rinse the chicken with water.
  2. Rub the chicken with lime.
  3. Rinse again and pat dry.
  4. Set aside on a clean surface.
Make the Seasoning Paste
  1. Add the grated onion, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke to a bowl.
  2. Mix until it forms a smooth paste.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken in a bowl or resealable bag.
  2. Pour the seasoning paste over it.
  3. Rub it into the meat as evenly as possible.
  4. Cover and let it rest for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Bake the Chicken
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. Place chicken skin-side down.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Flip the chicken and bake for 10 minutes more.
  6. Rotate the pan if one side browns faster.
Add the BBQ Sauce
  1. Brush the chicken with a thin, even layer of BBQ sauce.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Flip the chicken, add more sauce, and bake for 10 minutes again.
  4. For deeper caramelization, bake an extra 5 minutes.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve with tortillas, beans, rice, or coleslaw.

Notes

  • For a lighter smoky flavor, use 1 tbsp liquid smoke.
  • Chicken thighs stay juiciest, but any cut works.
  • Layering the BBQ sauce helps create that glossy, “grill-like” finish.
  • Great with Belizean coconut rice or baked beans.