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1
For the spice rub- mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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2
Store in an airtight container.
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3
For the sauce- put all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar (keep a screen handy- it spits).
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4
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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5
Let cool, store in the refrigerator in a tight-lidded jar for months.
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6
BBQ Chicken- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
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7
Sprinkle on the rub generously.
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8
Get your BBQ (gas or charcoal) very hot.
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9
If you have some hickory chips or apple chips, feel free to add them.
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10
When the grill is ready, put the chicken, skin side up, on the grill: if you have a charcoal grill push all your coals to one side and put the chicken on the other side.
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11
If you have a gas grill turn off one side and put the chicken on that side.
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12
You don't want the chicken over direct heat.
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13
Put the lid on the grill and cook the chicken for about 30 minutes, maintaining an internal temperature of 230- 250 degrees by adjusting the vents (opening the vents lets in oxygen and raises the temperature).
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14
If your grill doesn't have a thermometer, use an oven thermometer to monitor the heat.
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15
After 30 minutes, baste the chicken with apple juice.
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16
Continue to cook and baste until the chicken is done, about 3 hours.
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17
At first, the chicken will appear that it isn't cooking at all, and you will be tempted to crank up the heat.
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18
DON'T!
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19
Trust me- just keep going.
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20
You will think nothing is happening and wonder if this recipe is wrong, wrong, wrong.
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21
Just let it go- it will cook.
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22
Baste every half hour or so with more apple juice.
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23
Check for doneness at 2 1/2 hours.
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24
When it is done, baste each piece with the sauce and let it cook a few more minutes to let the sauce adhere to the chicken.
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25
Serve with more of the sauce, lots of napkins, some beer, and prepare for applause.
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26
Note: I was once hungry for this chicken in January (brrrr!) and with 2 feet of snow, didn't feel like trudging out to the grill.
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27
I made it in the oven and it turned out great.
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28
Just keep the oven temperature on 250 degrees, put the chicken on a cookie rack set over top of a sheet pan covered in aluminum foil.