This Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is a total crowd-pleaser! It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right kick of spice that will make your taste buds dance.
I love making this for gatherings because it’s super simple. Just slap on the BBQ sauce and bake! You’ll have finger-lickin’ chicken in no time. 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken breasts work too, but they can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a smoky or hickory BBQ sauce for deep flavor. If you prefer homemade, blend ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. For a sugar-free option, use low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Adding honey or brown sugar helps caramelize the chicken. If you’re avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can be great substitutes.
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is my favorite for spice, but feel free to use any chili sauce you love. For a milder option, skip it or add a dash of smoked paprika.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Crispy skin makes all the difference! Drying the chicken with paper towels before oiling helps remove excess moisture. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), which helps the skin start to crisp right away.
- Pat the chicken dry well, then lightly coat it with oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- During the broiling step, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning while getting that delicious char.
Following these steps, your chicken will have that perfect balance of crispy skin and sticky, flavorful glaze. Enjoy your cookout! 🌟
Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in for best flavor
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, preferably smoky or hickory flavored
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hot sauce, (e.g., sriracha or your favorite spicy chili sauce)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 35 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend about 25 minutes baking and then a quick 5-7 minutes broiling to get that perfect sticky glaze. Total time will be about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for cooking the chicken evenly. To make cleaning up easier, line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey or brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and ready to coat the chicken.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken thighs dry; this helps the skin get crispy when cooking. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with a little more salt and pepper for extra flavor.
4. Arrange and Apply Sauce:
Place the chicken thighs on the lined baking tray, skin side up. Generously brush each piece with the spicy BBQ sauce mixture, making sure every bit is well coated.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Put the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. This initial cooking helps the chicken cook through. After this time, take the tray out and brush the chicken with more sauce for added flavor.
6. Broil for Sticky Goodness:
Now, turn your oven to broil (or use the high grill setting). Broil the chicken for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. You’re looking for a lovely sticky caramelized layer on the chicken, with a bit of char for flavor!
7. Rest Before Serving:
Once the chicken is done, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making it juicier when you bite into it.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy the sticky, spicy, and smoky goodness you’ve created!
Dig in and savor the flavors of this delicious BBQ chicken dish—it’s sure to be a hit! 🍗
FAQ for Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they’ll cook faster and may dry out, so reduce baking time to about 20 minutes. To ensure juiciness, consider brining the breasts beforehand or cooking them at a lower temperature for longer.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce or half the amount. You can also adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to balance the flavors without adding heat.
Can I Prepare This Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture several hours or even overnight before baking. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it for quicker warming. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist!
