At the Barbecue: The Most Popular Dish That Had Everyone Asking for the Secret Ingredient

Barbecues are all about sizzling grills, smoky aromas, and laughter echoing under the open sky. Yet, every gathering has that one dish that everyone keeps coming back for. At our last family barbecue, it was exactly that — a recipe my sister made that vanished from the table almost as quickly as it was served. What made it so irresistible? The secret ingredient that added a perfect twist to a classic favorite. Let’s dive into this dish and explore how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this crowd-pleaser:

For the main dish:
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings or drumsticks, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the glaze (the secret twist):
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Secret ingredient: 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
For garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by rinsing and patting the chicken dry. This ensures the marinade sticks properly. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the glaze.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, and the secret ingredient — freshly grated ginger. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. The ginger adds a subtle zing that elevates the flavor and keeps everyone guessing!