TLC BBQ Pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen – Wood Chicks BBQ

Lee Ann Whippen is not just a pretty lady. She owns her own BBQ Catering business "Wood Chicks" based in Virginia, runs two popular BBQ restaurants, has her own range of sauces and rubs, and to top it off, is a successful pro competitor with over $170,000 dollars of prize money to her name.

It comes as no surprise then that she is currently one of the seven competitors in TLC's BBQ Pitmasters that is currently airing on Thursdays 10pm/9c vieing for the $40,000 prize that is currently hanging in the balance between her, and the other 6 BBQ Pitmasters which include; Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone, Lee Ann Whippen, Paul Petersen, Jamie Geer, Harry Soo and Johnny Trigg.

Interestingly Lee Ann favors the use of a Jedmaster (rotisserie smoker) and for smaller cuts, uses the WSM Weber Smokey Mountain and Green Egg Ceramic Smoker.

In the clip below, Lee Ann Whippen is facing off against Myron Mixon in the just-aired "Whole Hog" event in episode 2 of TLC's BBQ Pitmasters. Don't miss the next episode!

Lee Ann Whippen's BBQ Grilling Tips

1. Grill grates should be cleaned or scraped prior to grilling and oil (i.e. Vegetable, Olive Oil) should be applied with cloth to prevent sticking.

2. Soak wood chips in water for ½ hour, drain and enclose in piece of foil. Poke holes in foil with fork to allow smoke to escape. Place directly on coals to flavor your favorite meats.

3. Don't use flavored (i.e. Mesquite) charcoal as it adds a chemical taste rather than natural wood flavors.

4. Baste with sauces during last half hour of cooking not in the beginning.

5. Marinating your meats prior to cooking will not only add flavor but also create a tenderer product.

6. Try to avoid Lighter Fluid and use starter sticks or Charcoal Chimney to light your fire so meat flavors don't get tainted.

A brief history of Lee Ann Whippen's Wood Chicks

Lee Ann Whippen began competing in State BBQ Championships in 1996 and after winning the Georgia State Championship in 1996 went on to with 1st place in pork in the prestigious American Royal National Championship.  While continuing professionally in Hotel Catering for 15yrs, she competed in BBQ and won numerous awards.

In 2002, Lee Ann Whippen decided that her love of BBQ and experience in catering would be the perfect combination to begin "Wood Chicks BBQ" Catering and Competition team in 2002.

Her catering business became a success and branched into BBQ vending at local fairs and festivals including Neptune Festival, Suffolk Peanut Festival, Strawberry Pungo Festival, Driver Days and Chesapeake Jubilee.

State Competitions continued with most recently winning the 2009 Virginia State BBQ Grand Champion!

Due to the growth and demand, Wood Chicks BBQ wanted to bring Authentic Smoked BBQ locally and have it available 7days a week for their customers.  To satisfy the BBQ craving of all local patrons she opened Wood Chicks BBQ restaurant in February 2005 and at a second location in April 2008 at 1025 N. Battlefield Blvd.

Awards have resulted in Lee Ann Whippen appearing on the Today Show, Travel Channel, 700 Club, Food Network, People Magazine and locally WAVY TV, Joel Rubin Show, The Virginia Pilot, VERSUS Network on the National BBQ Championship Series, and most recently on FOOD NETWORK THROWDOWN WITH BOBBY FLAY WITH WOOD CHICKS WINNING BEST PORK BBQ and Featured on New TLC 8 part docu-series BBQ PITMASTERS airing Dec. 3, 2009 at 10pm!

Wood Chicks BBQ Restaurants

Wood Chick's BBQ Restaurant Opened February 23, 2005 with our 2nd location NOW OPEN at 1025 N. Battlefield Blvd!  Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia  State BBQ Champions now will have their award winning smoked BBQ available 7days a week for your enjoyment in 2 locations in Chesapeake, Virginia!

Wood Chicks Catering

Lee Ann Whippen's business, Wood Chicks BBQ, also offers catering services for almost any kind of event. From full-service, on site catering for 1000+ people to a classic backyard BBQ you’ll never forget.

For those considering using Wood Chicks at their event, they will be pleased to know that a dedicated representative is available to discuss and plan the events details as well as sample food beforehand.

Wood Chicks BBQ Catering offers:

• Full Service Catering for up to 1000+ people (50 person minimum)
• Pick Up available for any number of people
• Featuring Award Winning Genuine Hickory Smoked Barbecue
• Featuring a Deluxe Catering Service Trailer

To find out more about Lee Ann's catering services, products and BBQ restaurants, head on over to Wood Chicks.

Lee Ann Whippen's "Wood Chicks" Contact Details

Hours of Operation:

Cedar Road Location: Monday - Saturday:  11:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday : Noon - 9:00pm

Battlefield Blvd. Location:  Sunday-Thurs. 11am - 9 pm
Friday and Saturday 11am - 9 pm

Wood Chicks BBQ

1620 Cedar Rd,  Suite #111
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(Corner of Cedar Rd. & Dominion Blvd. in Farm Fresh Center)
(757) 410-9290

1025 N. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 549- 9290

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