FROM THE FOUNDING TABLE TO YOUR KITCHEN
POTUSPLATETHE PRESIDENTIAL TABLEHISTORY IS SERVED.
Presidents/Lyndon B. Johnson

AT THE TABLE WITH LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Sticky barbecue chicken

Add the sweet glaze late so it caramelizes instead of burning.

Dinner55 minServes 4
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Sticky barbecue chicken — a little vintage colour
A little vintage colour · Serving illustration

THE STORY ON YOUR PLATE

The ranch had its own kind of hospitality

More about Lyndon B. Johnson →

The thirty-sixth president came from the Texas Hill Country.

Historical reconstruction

Barbecue chicken reconstructs a shareable main dish from the broader Texas ranch setting. The oven method makes a sticky, browned finish possible without outdoor equipment.

The president & the table

Johnson’s food story is strongly tied to the Texas ranch. LBJ Library accounts describe substantial breakfasts and Southern dishes, while the Pedernales River chili tradition remains closely associated with his household. These were foods that could feed guests generously without a formal dining room.

Behind this story

LBJ Library food and recipe collections; Pedernales River chili tradition.

APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.

Make it at home.

Our home adaptation · Serves 4 · Not yet kitchen-tested

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

  1. Heat the oven to 210°C / 410°F. Pat drumsticks dry and toss with oil, paprika, salt and pepper.

  2. Arrange on a lined tray and roast for 30 minutes, turning once.

  3. Mix barbecue sauce and vinegar. Brush over chicken and roast for 10–15 minutes more, turning and brushing again halfway through.

  4. Check the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F without touching bone. Rest for 5 minutes.

About this home version

A modern home recipe with practical ingredients and measured quantities.

Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.

STAY FOR ANOTHER COURSE

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