This Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is finger-licking good! It’s sweet, tangy, and has the perfect kick to make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work, but they might dry out quicker, so keep an eye on cooking time!
Barbecue Sauce: A smoky barbecue sauce brings the best flavor. If you’re out, any sweet and tangy sauce works! You could even mix ketchup with a bit of vinegar and spices for a homemade version.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both give a nice stickiness to the chicken. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.
Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper: Customize the spice level! If you like it mild, just skip the hot sauce. You can also use sriracha for a bit of garlic flavor or even a pinch of chili powder instead.
How Can I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Sticky?
The key to perfecting the sticky chicken is all about cooking and basting. Here’s how to do it right:
- **Preheat Properly:** Ensure your grill or oven is at the right temperature (375°F / 190°C) to get that nice char.
- **Turn and Baste:** Cook the chicken for 25–30 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and get that sticky sauce all over.
- **Check Temperature:** Always check that the inside of the chicken hits 165°F (75°C). This is critical for both safety and tenderness.
With these tips in mind, you’re set for a delicious sticky BBQ chicken that’s sure to impress!
Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in preferred for juiciness)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably a smoky variety)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for stickiness and sweetness)
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce or 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust depending on spice preference)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling or baking)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ chicken recipe is quick! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 25–30 minutes for cooking, totaling around 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Start by preheating your grill or oven to medium heat (approximately 375°F or 190°C). This ensures your chicken gets a nice char while cooking through evenly.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey (or brown sugar), hot sauce (or cayenne pepper), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This flavorful mix is what will make your chicken sticky and delicious!
3. Prepare the Chicken
Using paper towels, pat the chicken thighs dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up nicely while cooking. Next, lightly brush or rub olive oil over each chicken piece to prevent sticking.
4. Coat the Chicken
Take the prepared BBQ sauce mixture and generously coat each chicken thigh. Make sure every piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor! Remember to save some sauce for basting while cooking.
5. Cooking the Chicken
Now, it’s time to cook! Place the chicken on the grill over medium heat or on a baking sheet if you’re using the oven. Cook the chicken, turning it every 5–7 minutes. This helps get that perfect color and stickiness while ensuring even cooking.
6. Baste and Check Temperature
During the cooking process, baste the chicken with the reserved BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor and stickiness. Keep cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), which usually takes about 25–30 minutes.
7. Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier and more flavorful.
8. Garnish and Enjoy!
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a bright contrast. Serve the sticky BBQ chicken with your favorite sides, and get ready for some delightful flavors!
Enjoy your sticky, spicy, smoky BBQ chicken packed with flavor and a slight caramelized char!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can use drumsticks or chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that breast meat cooks faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! If you’re out of barbecue sauce, you can quickly make a substitute using ketchup, a splash of vinegar, honey, and a pinch of spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. Mix until it reaches a desired flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover sticky BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the recipe. You can also add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!