Susan Spungens Barbecued Chicken Recipes

Steps:

• Prepare a charcoal grill for two-zone cooking over medium-high heat by pouring the coals onto one half of the grill. For a gas grill, heat all of the burners to high, then turn off one of the end burners before cooking. (See Tips.)
• While the grill's heating, pat the chicken dry. If the breasts are uneven in their thickness, pound until even with a heavy skillet or meat mallet. Set aside to air-dry. In a rimmed dish or wide, shallow bowl, stir together 1/2 cup olive oil, parsley, olives, olive brine and chile. Using the small holes on a box grater, grate 2 teaspoons zest from the lemon. Add to the bowl, squeeze in half the lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons juice), and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut the remaining lemon half into wedges for serving.
• When you're ready to grill, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, then lightly coat with olive oil. Take the chicken, sauce, tongs and a tightly folded paper towel soaked in olive oil to the grill. Clean the grates with a grill brush, then oil the grates with the paper towel. Grill the chicken until well browned on one side and it easily releases from the grates, 4 to 6 minutes. (If flare-ups occur, move the chicken to an area of the grill where there are no flames underneath. For a gas grill, close the lid between flips, listening and keeping an eye out for flare-ups.) Flip and cook until the breasts register 155 degrees in the thickest part and the thighs register 165 degrees, 2 to 3 minutes for breasts and 4 to 5 minutes for thighs.
• Transfer the chicken to the sauce and turn to coat. Let rest for at least 5 minutes and up to 30. Season to taste with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
• Add onions and garlic; cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 2 hours.

Steps:

• Rinse the chickens inside and out under cold water, and pat dry. Truss legs with kitchen twine, and set aside.
• Heat a charcoal or gas grill. If using a charcoal grill, arrange hot coals around inside edge of grill. Arrange chickens, breast sides up, in a row across the center. If using a gas grill, cook chickens over medium heat. Cook until brown on all sides, rotating every 5 to 7 minutes; cover grill as needed to maintain heat.
• Baste chickens with barbecue sauce. Continue cooking, basting frequently, until an instant-read thermometer registers 170 degrees in breast and 180 degrees in thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone), about 1 hour. If chickens brown too quickly before they are cooked through, transfer to baking pans and finish in a 350 degree oven.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 2 hours.