Phil McCockin's Hillbilly Cock ’n’ Shrooms Carolina BBQ Sauce

Smoky, tangy, and just a little wild, this Hillbilly Cock ’n’ Shrooms Carolina BBQ brings together fire-kissed chicken and a bold, moonshine-spiked sauce packed with finely chopped mushrooms and deep Appalachian flavor. It’s rustic comfort food with a story—rich, sticky, and perfectly balanced between sweet heat and vinegar bite. Whether cooked over an open flame or in your own kitchen, this dish delivers backwoods soul with every messy, finger-licking bite.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword bbq, food, southern cuisine

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Resting Time Minimum 10

Servings

Calories 59kcal

Author Phil McCockin

Equipment

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter or bacon drippings
1 small onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup tomato puree or ketchup for extra tang
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup moonshine substitute bourbon if you can’t find the real stuff
¼ cup chicken stock
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp mustard yellow or Dijon
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup sautéed mushrooms finely chopped (the regular kind, unless you’re telling a story)

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter or drippings. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in tomato puree, vinegar, moonshine, chicken stock, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Stir in chopped mushrooms and simmer another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste (add more sugar for sweet, vinegar for tang, or spice for heat).
Use warm as a glaze over grilled or smoked chicken—or serve as a dipping sauce for your cock of choice.

Pro Tips (Phil-style):

If you don’t have moonshine handy, bourbon adds the right kick without making your cock cross-eyed.
Blend the sauce smooth if you want a glossy finish, or leave it chunky for rustic mountain charm.
Brush onto grilled chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking for that sticky, finger-licking shine.

Nutrition