I tried this sticky spicy bbq chicken recipe last weekend, and wow—it turned out absolutely delicious! The sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors all worked together like magic. I loved how juicy and tender the chicken stayed, even on the grill.
Trust me, if you’re craving something bold and satisfying, this one’s for you. Let me show you exactly how I made it. If you love bold flavors, be sure to check out our Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe for another fiery and delicious dinner idea.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken Recipe
These ingredients make this BBQ chicken taste amazing, and I’ll share a few tips along the way!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – They stay juicy and are perfect for grilling.
- 2 tsp olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Gives it a bit of kick.
For the Sticky Spicy BBQ Sauce:
Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
- 2 tbsp butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp finely chopped yellow onion – Builds a flavor base.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – For aroma and depth.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and balance.
- ¼ cup water – Thins the sauce slightly so it coats evenly.
- ½ cup ketchup – Gives that classic BBQ flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds smokiness and color.
- 2 tsp sriracha – Brings a spicy edge.
- 2 tsp hot chili paste (or more sriracha) – For extra heat.
- ½ tbsp chili powder – Deepens the spice blend.
- 2 tsp mustard – Sharpens the taste.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami.
Variations – Customize It Your Way
Want to tweak this recipe to suit your needs? No problem!
- Dairy-free? Skip the butter and use olive oil in the sauce instead.
- Mild version: Use less chili paste and sriracha.
- Sweeter touch: Add an extra tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce.
- Smoky boost: A few drops of liquid smoke can add a real BBQ pit vibe.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure to grab these tools before you start cooking:
- Grill or grill pan – For cooking the chicken to smoky perfection.
- Small saucepan – To make the sticky BBQ sauce.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken without piercing it.
- Meat thermometer – Helps you check when it’s perfectly cooked.
- Mixing spoon or whisk – To stir the sauce as it thickens.
How to Make Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken?
Let me walk you through how I made this juicy, flavorful chicken from start to finish. It’s easier than you might think!
Start With Seasoning the Chicken
I seasoned the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. This step makes sure the surface is ready to lock in flavor once it hits the heat. I gently rubbed everything in and let the chicken sit while I prepped the sauce.
Make the Sticky Spicy BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, I melted butter and sautéed chopped onions until they were soft. Then I tossed in the garlic and cooked for another minute. After that, I added everything else—vinegar, water, ketchup, spices, and sauces. I let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then until the sauce thickened nicely.
Grill the Chicken Low and Slow
I preheated my grill to medium-low. Once it was hot, I placed the chicken thighs smooth side down and let them cook slowly. I flipped them every 3-4 minutes, making sure they didn’t burn. After about 15 minutes, I started brushing on the sticky BBQ sauce. This made a glossy, flavorful coating as the chicken finished cooking.
Let It Rest and Serve
When the internal temperature hit 165°F (75°C), I took the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it super juicy when you cut in. Now it was ready to serve!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some extra tricks I picked up while making this:
- Let the chicken come to room temp before grilling for even cooking.
- I always make a bit more sauce than I think I need—it’s great for dipping!
- Don’t grill over high heat; slow cooking gives better texture and flavor.
- I use fresh garlic and onion instead of powders for a more homemade taste.
How to Serve Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken?
This chicken is super versatile, and how you serve it can make it even more impressive:
- Pair it with grilled corn, coleslaw, or baked beans for a full BBQ plate.
- Slice it and serve it on a sandwich bun with pickles and extra sauce.
- Add it to a rice bowl with fresh herbs and veggies for a lighter option.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving:
- Calories: Around 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 22g
What is the proper way to store leftovers?
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance and keep it chilled. The chicken can be seasoned the night before for more flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with fresh sauce when ready to eat.
- Reheating: I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. It keeps the texture better than the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe has so much going for it! Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Incredibly Flavorful: Sweet, spicy, and smoky all in one bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and no fancy tools needed.
- Customizable: You can adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy it!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook them as they are leaner and can dry out faster.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Can I bake instead of grill the chicken?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a moderate kick, but you can adjust the spice by reducing the chili paste or sriracha.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.