Carolina Gold Chicken BBQ Recipe | Golden Bark

Carolina Gold chicken is one of the most surprising combinations in our range. The mustard-honey base of the Carolina Gold BBQ Rub gives chicken thighs a golden-yellow bark with a slight acidity that perfectly complements the juicy chicken meat. Different than you expect, better than you hope.

What do you need?

  • 6–8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 40–50g Carolina Gold BBQ Rub
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard (as a binder)
  • BBQ or oven
  • Meat thermometer

Preparation

Lightly coat the chicken thighs with yellow mustard — this acts as a binder and enhances the mustard notes of Carolina Gold. Generously rub the seasoning all over, including under the skin. Let rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours.

BBQ Preparation

  1. Preheat the BBQ for indirect heat: 180–200°C.
  2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the grate.
  3. Cook for 35–45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 80°C.
  4. For the last 5 minutes, place directly over the coals for crispy skin.
  5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Oven Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (convection).
  2. Place the chicken thighs on a rack over a baking sheet.
  3. Cook for 35–40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 80°C.
  4. Turn on the grill for the last 5 minutes for a golden-yellow bark.

Tips

  • Applewood pairs perfectly with the fruity mustard-honey notes of Carolina Gold.
  • Mustard as a binder disappears during cooking — you won't taste it as mustard.
  • An internal temperature of 80°C provides the best combination of doneness and juiciness.

Serving

Serve with coleslaw and apple cider vinegar, or as part of a BBQ buffet. The golden-yellow bark is its calling card — show it off.

→ Order the Carolina Gold BBQ Rub
→ Also check out the Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Recipe
→ All about Carolina Gold BBQ Rub — flavor profile & tips
→ Discover more flavors with the Starter Pack

Want to learn more about BBQ techniques?

→ Internal Temperatures for BBQ — complete overview
→ What smoking wood should you use? Hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite explained
→ How to use a meat thermometer?