Barbecued Chicken

Skip loves barbecue.  When he moved here (from Richmond), he went on a barbecue binge, dining at various establishments thrice weekly.  He visited his old favorites, the notorious restaurants, the chains and all of the hole-in-the-wall locations.  At least three months elapsed before he had satisfied his barbecue craving. 

We are working on replicating some of his favorites at home, and the below recipe for barbecued chicken is one of our favorite chicken options: 

Barbecued Chicken

Ingredients

2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (3-3 1/2 pound) cut-up whole chicken
1/2 cup cola soft drink
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.  Sprinkle over chicken.  Place chicken in a single layer in a lightly greased 6 quart slow cooker.

2. Whisk together cola soft drink and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl.  Slowly pour mixture between chicken pieces (to avoid removing spices from chicken).  Place lemon slices in a single layer on top of chicken.

3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours (or on LOW 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours) or until done. (Tip: Always opt for the low setting if time permits.)

4. Transfer chicken pieces to a serving platter; discard lemon slices. Skim fat from pan juices in slow cooker. Pour pan juices over chicken; serve immediately.

A word of caution... should you find yourself only in possession of diet cola, do not think you need to add sweetener.  Adding sugar to diet cola results in a volcanic, science-type experiment. (Or so I have heard.)  Otherwise, this recipe is fantastic!