Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is full of flavor, with a perfect mix of sweetness and heat. The chicken gets coated in a sticky sauce that caramelizes beautifully while grilling!
This dish is great for BBQs or family dinners, and I love how the sauce makes a delicious mess on the fingers! Who doesn’t enjoy licking sticky fingers? 😉
I often pair it with some crunchy coleslaw or rice to soak up all that tasty sauce. It’s super easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, boneless or skinless thighs can also work but might dry out faster.
BBQ Sauce: A spicy BBQ sauce gives this dish its kick. If you can’t find spicy BBQ sauce, mix regular BBQ sauce with a bit of hot sauce or chili paste to get the heat you desire.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with stickiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, agave nectar is a good substitute. Maple syrup can also work but will change the flavor slightly.
Hot Sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat tolerance. You can replace it with Sriracha or even a spicy seasoning mix if you want less liquid in your marinade.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika enhance the flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken thighs takes a bit of attention, but you’ll get delicious results! Start by marinating the chicken; the longer, the better, as it deepens the flavor.
- Preheat the grill properly to medium-high. This helps avoid sticking and ensures an even cook.
- When grilling, place the chicken skin-side down first for crispy skin. Flip only once to avoid drying it out.
- Basting with the marinade adds flavor as it cooks. Just be careful to not apply too early to avoid burning.
- Always check the internal temperature for doneness; aim for 165°F (75°C). This guarantees safety and juiciness.
Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving keeps it juicy. Enjoy your BBQ chicken!
How to Make Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably spicy)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust according to heat preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour for marinating (or overnight for best flavor). Grill time is about 15-20 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your marinating choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Once everything is well combined, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or even overnight if you want more flavor).
2. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are ash white before you start grilling. This ensures even cooking and great flavor.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Let any excess marinade drip off—don’t worry, you’ll need the leftover for basting later! Set it aside and prepare for grilling.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You want that skin to be crispy and golden brown.
5. Baste with Marinade:
During the last few minutes of grilling, grab your brush and start basting the chicken with the leftover marinade. This step will create a sticky, flavorful glaze that makes these thighs irresistible!
6. Check for Doneness:
To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Now enjoy your deliciously sticky and spicy BBQ chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used for this recipe, but they might dry out more easily than thighs. To keep them juicy, consider marinating for the full time and monitoring the cooking time closely. Aim for grilling about 5-7 minutes per side while keeping an eye on their internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and possibly the spicy BBQ sauce. You can also substitute regular BBQ sauce for a sweeter version that won’t add heat. Additionally, serve with a cooling side like coleslaw to balance out the spice!
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
Never reuse raw marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken without cooking it first! You can simmer the leftover marinade in a saucepan for about 10-15 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria, then use it as a glaze or sauce for serving.
How to Store Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to keep it moist.
