Best Ever Chicken

Mom said this is the best chicken she ever tasted–and for Mom, that’s saying something!

4 chicken leg quarters
¾ cup sugar
½ cup vinegar
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Louisiana hot sauce (optional)

Equipment: Natural gas stovetop and oven

Servings: 4

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Line a large baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Separate the drumsticks from the thighs and remove all fat and excess skin from the thighs. Wash and pat dry and place on the baking sheet.

Mix the sugar and vinegar in a saucepan and heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and mix in the remaining ingredients. Pour over the chicken.

Bake uncovered for 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes. When the chicken is done, it should have a lovely deep glaze. Remove the chicken to a serving platter and carefully scrape the remaining sauce into a small pitcher or sauceboat (be sure to pour off most of the oil floating on top before serving). Serve with steamed rice and your favorite green vegetable.