This Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is the ultimate balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors! Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce infused with honey, garlic, and chili for that perfect caramelized glaze. Whether grilled or baked, this dish is guaranteed to be finger-licking good and a hit at any barbecue or family dinner! 🍽️🔥
Cooking Time & Servings ⏳
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marination)
- Servings: 4-6
My Cooking Experience 🧑🍳
Through years of experimenting with BBQ sauces, I’ve found that the key to perfect sticky chicken is the right balance of sweetness and heat. The secret? Letting the chicken absorb the bold flavors before grilling or baking to achieve that irresistible caramelized finish! 🍯🔥
Ingredients 🛒
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 🍗
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce 🍖
- 2 tablespoons honey 🍯
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce 🍶
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) 🔥
Instructions 🔪
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade & Chicken 🍯
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Preheat the Grill or Oven & Cook 🔥
Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F) or set your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates or a baking sheet. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or bake for about 8-10 minutes per side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes, until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3️⃣ Let It Rest & Serve 🍗
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice.
4️⃣ Enjoy the Sticky Goodness! 🍽️
Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations 🔄
- Extra Sticky: Brush additional honey-BBQ sauce on the chicken after cooking for a glossier finish. 🍯
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for fiery heat. 🔥
- Smoky Twist: Use a charcoal grill for deep, smoky flavors. 🍖
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even caramelization. 🔥
Equipment You’ll Need 🔪
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grill or oven
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Cutting board & knife
Why You’ll Love It ❤️
✔️ Sweet, smoky, and spicy all in one! 🍗🔥
✔️ Sticky, caramelized BBQ goodness 🍯
✔️ Quick and easy to prepare ⏳
✔️ Perfect for grilling or baking 🍖
Nutritional Information 📊
- Calories: ~320 per serving
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Storage Tips ❄️
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated chicken (uncooked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
Conclusion 🏁
This Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, sweet, and smoky flavors! Whether grilled outdoors or baked indoors, this dish delivers a deliciously sticky, flavorful bite every time. Try it today and enjoy BBQ bliss! 🍗🔥🍯
sticky spicy bbq chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F) or set your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates or a baking sheet. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or bake for about 8-10 minutes per side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes, until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated chicken (uncooked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
