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Port-A-Pit Chicken Recipe (Nelson's-Style Pit Chicken)

A juicy Port-A-Pit chicken recipe made with simple seasoning, a tangy basting sauce, and controlled grill heat. This Nelson's-style pit chicken is easy to make at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pounds chicken leg quarters or bone-in chicken pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
For the Basting Sauce
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat if needed.
  2. Make the seasoning: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Season: Rub the chicken with vegetable oil, then coat all sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  4. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  5. Make the basting sauce: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, water, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
  6. Prepare the grill: Set up a two-zone grill with a hot side and a cooler side. Aim for controlled medium heat rather than strong flames.
  7. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook gradually, turning occasionally.
  8. Baste: Brush the chicken lightly with the clean basting sauce as it cooks. Continue turning and adding thin layers of sauce.
  9. Control the heat: If the chicken becomes too dark or flames flare up, move it farther away from direct heat.
  10. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
  11. Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Keep the grill temperature controlled to prevent burning.
  • Use a clean portion of basting sauce for the chicken.
  • Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken unless it is thoroughly cooked first.
  • Bone-in chicken pieces work especially well for this pit chicken recipe.
  • Cooking time can vary depending on chicken size and grill temperature, so use internal temperature as the final test.