Go Back
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce For the main ingredients, the chicken thighs are key. They have great flavor and stay juicy on the grill. You can pick store-bought barbecue sauce for ease or make your own if you want that personal touch. Mixing honey and sriracha gives you that sweet and spicy kick. This balance is what makes the dish shine. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon soy sauce Seasonings are just as vital. Minced garlic adds a lovely aroma. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth and color. Black pepper adds a bit of heat, which complements the sweetness. Soy sauce adds umami, making the whole dish richer. When you mix these ingredients, you create a marinade that really sticks to the chicken and enhances every bite. The marinade works best when the chicken sits for a while, soaking up all those flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make the sweet and spicy marinade, mix the following in a medium bowl: - 1 cup barbecue sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - A pinch of salt Stir everything until it blends well. This mix adds flavor to the chicken. Marinating is key. It allows the chicken to soak in all those flavors. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. For the best taste, marinate overnight. For marinating, use a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Place the chicken thighs inside. Pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Marinating time is crucial. One hour is the minimum, but longer is better. The chicken will taste amazing if you can wait overnight. This time helps the flavors penetrate deep into the meat. Grilling gives the best results for this recipe. You can also bake in the oven if you prefer. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is about 375°F or 190°C. If you want those perfect grill marks, let the grill heat up fully. Once ready, remove the chicken from the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until you see nice grill marks. Then, flip the chicken. Baste with any leftover marinade. Cook for another 6-8 minutes. Check that the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C. If it starts to char, reduce the heat. You can find the full recipe for more detailed instructions. Enjoy your flavorful grilling delight! To grill sweet and spicy BBQ chicken perfectly, you need to manage the grill temperature well. Aim for medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). This heat helps cook the chicken evenly and gives it nice grill marks. Avoid charring by watching the chicken closely. Place it skin-side down first. Cook for about 6-7 minutes before flipping. If you see flare-ups, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Lower the heat if the chicken starts to char too quickly. To make your marinade even better, try adding different spices. You might want to mix in cayenne pepper for more heat or brown sugar for extra sweetness. Each spice adds a unique twist to the flavor. If you lack a grill, you can still add a smoky taste. Use smoked paprika in the marinade. You can also try liquid smoke. Just a few drops can give your chicken that lovely smoky flavor. {{image_2}} To make sweet and spicy BBQ chicken your own, try changing the heat. First, substitute sriracha with other hot sauces. If you want a milder dish, use a sweet chili sauce. For more heat, try a habanero or a ghost pepper sauce. Each sauce gives a unique kick, so pick what suits your taste! Next, you can adjust the honey amount. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. Reducing the honey will make the dish less sweet. Play around until you find the right balance for your taste buds. If you're short on time, consider using a slow cooker. This method makes the chicken super tender. Just add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker and set it on low for about 6 hours. Your chicken will come out juicy and fall-off-the-bone good. Another quick method is broiling in the oven. Preheat your broiler and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Broil for about 10 minutes per side, checking for that lovely golden color. This method cooks faster while still giving you great flavor. You can enjoy sweet and spicy BBQ chicken in less time! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your sweet and spicy BBQ chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can store it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This method protects against freezer burn. Frozen chicken can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy the chicken again, reheating it correctly is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout. If you have frozen chicken, thaw it safely in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain flavor and texture. If you're in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Use the defrost setting and check often to avoid cooking the edges. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least one hour. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, marinating overnight is even better. The longer it sits, the more flavor it picks up. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, remember that chicken thighs have more fat. This gives them more flavor and keeps them juicy. Breasts cook faster, so check them sooner. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for both cuts. This chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Grilled corn on the cob - Coleslaw for crunch - Baked beans for sweetness - Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal - A fresh garden salad for balance Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time. Once cooked, let it cool before storing. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. It lasts in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Yes, making your own BBQ sauce is easy! Here are some basic ingredients you’ll need: - Ketchup for base - Brown sugar for sweetness - Vinegar for tang - Mustard for depth - Spices like paprika and garlic powder for flavor Mix these ingredients and adjust to your taste. You can find the full recipe for my sweet and spicy BBQ chicken using these flavors. Enjoy your cooking! Sweet and spicy BBQ chicken is simple and full of flavor. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs and the right sauces. We discussed marinating techniques and cooking methods to achieve juicy chicken. Remember, variations let you change heat levels and cooking styles. Store leftovers wisely to keep them tasty. With these tips, you can create memorable meals every time. Enjoy your cooking and share your delicious results!

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken

Elevate your grilling game with this Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful marinade of barbecue sauce, honey, sriracha, and spices create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any gathering. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly grilled chicken that will impress your family and friends.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for deeper flavor).

      Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stove or bake in an oven.

        Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip the chicken and baste with remaining marinade.

          Finish Cooking: Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Reduce heat to medium-low if the chicken begins to char.

            Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 4