The scent of smoky BBQ wafts through the air, signaling the arrival of grilling season. As I fire up the grill and reach for the chicken thighs, I can’t help but feel excitement bubbling within me. With my recipe for Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of heat and sweetness, thanks to a homemade spicy barbecue sauce that elevates these delectable cuts to new heights. This dish not only captures the essence of summer gatherings but also delivers tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. It’s a quick prep that yields mouthwatering results, making it a sure crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike. Are you ready to turn your grill into a flavor haven? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Why Are These Chicken Thighs So Special?
Juicy, tender perfection: Grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs are exceptionally juicy, thanks to the slow cooking method that locks in moisture.
Bold flavor explosion: The spicy homemade barbecue sauce offers a blend of heat and sweetness that sets these thighs apart from ordinary grilled chicken.
Simplicity made delicious: With easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe eliminates the fuss, allowing you to enjoy flavorful grilled chicken with minimal prep time.
Versatile pairing options: Serve these delightful thighs alongside fresh salads, grilled corn, or creamy coleslaw for a complete summer feast, reminiscent of classic American backyard gatherings. And if you’re craving more flavorful chicken dishes, check out my Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes or the zesty Peruvian Chicken Aji.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Whether it’s a barbecue or a weeknight dinner, these chicken thighs will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – Boneless and skinless for rich flavor and a juicy texture that holds up on the grill.
• Olive Oil – Coats the chicken to lock in moisture and enhance grilling.
• Salt – Essential for amplifying the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild warmth that complements the dish.
For the BBQ Sauce
• Butter – Provides richness and helps sauté the onions for a flavorful base.
• Yellow Onion – The foundation of the barbecue sauce, cooked until soft for sweetness.
• Garlic – Introduces a fragrant depth, elevating the sauce’s overall taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Brings tangy notes to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• Water – Adjusts the sauce’s consistency for that perfect cling to the chicken.
• Ketchup – The primary base, adding sweetness and a familiar texture to the BBQ sauce.
• Paprika – Infuses smokiness, enriching the flavor profile of the sauce.
• Sriracha – Packs in the heat, customizing the spice level of the barbecue sauce.
• Sambal Oelek – A spicy chili paste; substitute with additional sriracha for a milder experience.
• Chili Powder – Boosts the spiciness and deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Mustard – Contributes sharp tangy notes that compliment the sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a rich umami depth to the barbecue sauce.
These Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs will elevate your summer cookouts and leave everyone clamoring for more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with aromatic goodness. This forms the flavorful base of the spicy BBQ sauce that will elevate your grilled chicken thighs.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
To the onions and garlic, add ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, ½ cup of water, and ¾ cup of ketchup. Stir in 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 tablespoons of sriracha, 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek (or more sriracha for milder heat), 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Let this mixture simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, until thickened, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
While the BBQ sauce simmers, prep 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the thighs and season generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. This seasoning not only enhances flavor but also helps the chicken develop a lovely crust on the grill.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (around 300°F to 325°F). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without drying out. Once heated, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You’ll be ready to grill the chicken thighs when you see a few wisps of smoke rising from the grill, signaling it’s at the right temperature.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken Thighs
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down. Cook them on low heat, flipping every 3-4 minutes to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the chicken until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer registers 165-170°F, which should take about 20 minutes. The beautiful char marks and golden edges indicate they’re perfectly grilled.
Step 6: Baste with BBQ Sauce
During the last few flips, generously baste the grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs with the prepared sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that delicious mixture. This not only adds flavor but also creates a sticky glaze as it caramelizes on the grill. Be sure to save some sauce for serving, as this will enhance your chicken even further!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the juiciness. Serve these scrumptious Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs with the reserved BBQ sauce and your favorite summer sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your juicy chicken thighs fresh while maintaining their delicious flavor.
Freezer: If you want to store them longer, freeze wrapped chicken thighs in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat. This will help restore the crispy edges and flavorful glaze of your grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs.
Thawing: For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This allows the chicken to retain its moisture and tenderness.
Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these tasty tweaks to make this grilled chicken dish uniquely yours!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil when sautéing onions for the sauce to keep it dairy-free.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the BBQ sauce for a vibrant touch. It’ll enhance the flavor and add a rustic charm to each bite.
- Zesty Twist: Mix in lime juice or zest to the sauce for a refreshing citrus note that complements the spiciness. Think summer vibes!
- Sweet Heat: Drizzle honey or maple syrup into the sauce for a sweet contrast that elevates the overall taste while keeping the spice intact.
- Crunch Factor: Top the grilled chicken with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for an irresistible crunch that brings a new texture to the dish.
- Grilled Veggies: Include seasonal veggies like bell peppers or zucchini on the grill alongside the chicken for a healthy, colorful side. They’ll soak up the smoky goodness!
- Spicy Levels: For an extra kick, increase the sriracha and chili powder in the sauce to suit your heat preference. Make your taste buds dance!
- BBQ Sauce Variants: Experiment with store-bought sauces, like teriyaki or mango BBQ, to create a unique flavor for your chicken thighs. This opens up endless possibilities!
Pair these flavorful variations with classic sides like grilled corn on the cob or a fresh green salad for a complete outdoor feast. And if you’re in the mood for more delicious chicken, check out my Spicy Bang Bang or the delightful Loaded Chicken Club. Enjoy the journey of flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the barbecue sauce up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply follow the sauce instructions, then cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can season the chicken thighs (using olive oil, salt, and pepper) up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge to enhance flavor before grilling. When you’re ready to cook, just preheat the grill, baste the chicken with the sauce during grilling, and you’ll have a delicious, stress-free meal ready to impress family and friends!
Expert Tips for Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
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Temperature Matters: Keep the grill at medium-low heat for perfectly cooked, tender chicken. High heat can lead to dry, over-charred meat.
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Turn Regularly: Flip the chicken thighs every 3-4 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and prevent burning, achieving that coveted BBQ flavor.
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Let the Sauce Simmer: Allow your homemade barbecue sauce to simmer for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, spicy glaze for the chicken.
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Resting Time: Let the grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and succulent.
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Save Some Sauce: Don’t forget to keep a portion of the BBQ sauce aside for serving! It enhances the dish further, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
What to Serve with Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling experience with vibrant sides and refreshing drinks that perfectly complement the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue chicken.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy side that balances the spicy heat of the chicken, providing a refreshing contrast. Its creamy texture offers a delightful mouthfeel next to the juicy meat.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred kernels enhance summertime vibes, while the buttery texture pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. It’s a classic side that brings back fond memories of sunny cookouts.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy yet soft, this buttery dish delights the senses with an aromatic garlic punch that complements the BBQ sauce splendidly. Serve it warm for a satisfying, comforting addition.
- Pasta Salad: This cold, refreshing side filled with colorful veggies adds different textures and a bright flavor that complements the grilled chicken without overpowering it. It can be made ahead to save time!
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp ensemble of greens topped with a tangy vinaigrette to cleanse the palate after every barbecue bite. Adding seasonal fruits can also lend a delightful sweetness.
- Mango Salsa: A fruity, spicy thrill that will awaken your taste buds! Pairing the juicy mango with cilantro, lime, and jalapeño provides a vibrant, zesty contrast against the robust spiciness of the chicken.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Cool, refreshing drinks that are perfect for washing down the bold flavors of your grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs. Add a sprig of mint for an extra refreshing touch!
These sides will not only round out your plate but create a joyful dining experience as you savor every spicy, smoky bite!
Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken thighs should I use?
Opt for boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as they provide a rich flavor and juicy texture that hold up incredibly well on the grill. This makes grilling easier and allows the spicy BBQ sauce to penetrate the meat beautifully.
How should I store leftover grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the chicken fresh and maintains its delicious flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them on the grill for the best results!
Can I freeze grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if my barbecue sauce is too thick?
If you find your barbecue sauce is thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of water or more apple cider vinegar to loosen it up. stir well to combine until you reach the desired consistency. This will ensure the sauce clings to your chicken without being overly sticky.
Are these chicken thighs suitable for all dietary preferences?
These grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs contain common allergens like mustard and Worcestershire sauce. For those with food intolerances or allergies, simply switch out these ingredients for suitable alternatives. You can also adjust the spices to manage heat levels to meet everyone’s palate at your gathering!
Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs for Flavor-Packed Summer Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- To the onions and garlic, add apple cider vinegar, water, and ketchup. Stir in the paprika, sriracha, sambal oelek, chili powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let this mixture simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, until thickened.
- While the BBQ sauce simmers, prep the chicken thighs by patting them dry and drizzling olive oil over them. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-low heat (300°F to 325°F) and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down. Cook on low heat, flipping every 3-4 minutes. Cook until juices run clear and an internal temperature registers 165-170°F, about 20 minutes.
- During the last few flips, baste the chicken thighs with the prepared BBQ sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with the reserved BBQ sauce.
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