Spiced smoky barbecued chicken

Discover this authentic Australian Spiced smoky barbecued chicken recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with garlic, lemon, curry powder and 8 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 2 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this australian classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

430

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Spiced smoky barbecued chicken

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • Juice/zest of one Lemon
  • 2 tblsp Curry Powder
  • Pinch Chilli Flakes
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 12 Chicken Thighs
  • Bunch Rosemary
  • Bunch Rosemary
  • Bunch Thyme
  • Bunch Thyme
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Instructions

2 steps · ~6 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Make the marinade. Smash the garlic with a little salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the lemon zest and juice, the spice mix, chilli, oil and a good grinding of black pepper. Mix to a paste. This can be done in a mini food processor.

    3 minutes
    For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2

    Toss the chicken in the marinade and set aside while you light the barbecue. When the barbecue’s hot, lay the bunches of herbs on the grid and put the chicken, skin side up, on top. Close the lid, if your barbecue has one, and cook the chicken on the smouldering herbs for about 10 minutes until the meat starts to colour. Turn the chicken and continue to cook for a further 20-30 minutes, turning as necessary, until it is slightly charred from the burnt herbs and cooked through to the bone.

    3 minutes
    For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Australian recipe for Spiced smoky barbecued chicken is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Australian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your australian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Spiced smoky barbecued chicken is a beloved dish from Australian cuisine, originating in Australia. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Australian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For barbecuing, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or whole chickens are ideal as they stay juicy and flavorful. Bone-in cuts also help retain moisture during cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories430kcal
Total Fat19g
Sodium331mg
Total Carbohydrates47g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein52g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineAustralian
CategoryDinner
CountryAustralia