Nothing brings people together like the smell of chicken sizzling on a grill. This spicy BBQ chicken recipe uses Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce as both the marinade and the glaze, delivering bold, smoky heat with minimal effort. It is tailor-made for those lazy Saturday cookouts in Phnom Penh, whether you are grilling on charcoal by the riverside or on a portable burner at home.
Why This Recipe Works
Marinating chicken drumettes in BBQ sauce overnight does two things: it tenderises the meat and builds layers of flavour that penetrate deep. Adding fresh bird's-eye chilli, Cambodia's favourite heat source, gives it a local kick that pairs perfectly with the sauce's natural sweetness.
Ingredients (Serves 3 to 4)
- 500 g chicken drumettes or wings
- 4 tbsp Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or Bell Foods Soy Sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 bird's-eye chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or palm sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh coriander and sliced cucumber, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate. In a bowl, combine Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce, soy sauce, garlic, chillies, honey, oil, and lime juice. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is best.
- Prepare the grill. Heat a charcoal grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Grill. Place chicken pieces on the grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade during the last few minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the skin is caramelised and slightly charred.
- Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. Arrange on a plate with cucumber slices and fresh coriander. Squeeze extra lime on top.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with sticky rice and a cold beer, the classic Cambodian cookout combo. For a more complete meal, add a bowl of Bell Foods Soup Base (Tonkotsu) diluted into a light broth with vegetables on the side.
Pro Tip
Score the chicken pieces with a knife before marinating. This lets the BBQ sauce penetrate deeper and cuts cooking time by a few minutes. If you prefer less heat, remove the chilli seeds or substitute with a teaspoon of black pepper instead.
