This Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is a crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken pieces are covered in a sweet and spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for any BBQ!
What I love most is how simple it is to make. Just coat the chicken, pop it in the oven, and watch it get all sticky and delicious. Maybe keep a napkin handy—things could get messy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. You can swap them with chicken drumsticks or even chicken breasts—just be mindful of cooking times as breasts can dry out faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own! You can also opt for sugar-free or low-sodium options if you’re watching your intake.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These add sweetness and stickiness to the chicken. If you’re vegan, consider agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia. They still give that nice glaze without the honey!
Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the spice level depending on your preference. If you like it mild, use less or pick a mild hot sauce. Sriracha can also add a nice flavor twist.
How Do I Get That Perfectly Sticky and Spicy Glaze?
The key to achieving that delicious sticky glaze is all about timing and technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a good mix of your glaze ingredients; they should all blend well. A good balance of sweet and spicy is crucial.
- Brush the chicken thighs generously before baking to ensure they soak up flavor. The first bake allows the sauce to set.
- Broiling is your friend! After baking, switch to broil for a few minutes until the surface is caramelized. Keep a close eye during this step to avoid burning.
Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicy results. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your mess-free, finger-licking meal!
Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for stickiness and sweetness)
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce or cayenne pepper (adjust based on desired spice level)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty sticky spicy BBQ chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook. You’ll have a total of about 45-50 minutes to have this flavorful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature will help the chicken cook evenly and get nice and crispy. While your oven heats up, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the chicken as it cooks.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey or maple syrup, hot sauce or cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. This mixture will be the delicious glaze for your chicken!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get crispy! Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil, ensuring they’re well covered.
4. Glaze the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the wire rack with the skin side facing up. Using a brush or spoon, generously apply the BBQ sauce mixture onto each piece of chicken. Make sure to get every nook and cranny covered with that tasty sauce!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is nearly cooked through and the skin starts to look crispy and brown.
6. Broil for Extra Stickiness:
Once the chicken is almost done, take it out of the oven and brush it with a little extra BBQ sauce. Then, switch your oven to broil and return the chicken to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this time to ensure it doesn’t burn—you’re aiming for a sticky, caramelized finish!
7. Rest and Serve:
After broiling, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the chicken hot, with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if you like!
Enjoy your mouthwatering sticky, spicy BBQ chicken that’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind they cook faster, so check them at around 20 minutes to avoid drying out. They may not be as juicy as thighs, so consider brining them beforehand for additional moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat, use less hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can also choose a mild barbecue sauce and skip the hot sauce altogether. If you want a hint of spice without the heat, try adding a bit of smoked paprika instead.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through for the best results. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the skin might lose its crispiness.
