This Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken is a crowd-pleaser! It features tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce that’s finger-licking good.
I love how simple it is to make this dish, just marinate, bake, and eat! Perfect for a family dinner or backyard barbecue—everyone is going to ask for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness. If you want to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Barbecue Sauce: A smoky or hickory-flavored sauce gives a great depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, consider a sugar-free BBQ sauce that still packs a punch.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Honey is great for a natural sweetness, but brown sugar can add a richer flavor. If you’re vegan, you can use maple syrup instead. It adds a unique taste!
Hot Sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat tolerance. For milder flavors, use a less spicy sauce or reduce the quantity.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, so if you’re not a fan of extra heat, feel free to leave it out. You can also try smoked paprika here for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Skin on the Chicken?
Crispy skin is key to making this dish extra delicious. Here are a few tips to perfect it:
- Pat dry your chicken with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the skin crisp up.
- Applying a bit of olive oil to the skin before baking creates that beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Cooking at a higher temperature helps the skin render out fat quickly, leading to that crispy texture.
- Consider broiling the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Following these tips will give you chicken that’s not only sticky and spicy but also crispy and satisfying! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably smoky or hickory-flavored)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes for baking. Including marination time, you should allow about 2.5 to 4.5 hours total if you choose to marinate for the best flavors. It’s an easy and delicious choice for a dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey (or brown sugar), hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful, sticky marinade!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps them crisp up in the oven. Add the thighs to the sauce mixture, tossing until each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a kick of flavor, marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours if you have the time.
4. Set Up for Baking:
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up, and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, allowing any excess marinade to drip onto the baking sheet.
5. Brush the Chicken:
Lightly brush the skin of each chicken thigh with olive oil. This will help them get nice and crispy while baking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and for the skin to appear sticky and caramelized. For even more flavor, you can baste with the juices from the pan once or twice during cooking.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want an extra crispy skin, set your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite delicious!
Serve your sticky, spicy BBQ chicken hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. Enjoy your meal, and get ready for some serious flavor!
FAQ About Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Another Cut of Chicken?
Absolutely! While skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture, you can substitute with drumsticks or wings. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure all pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper or leave it out completely. Conversely, for extra heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or even crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and coat the chicken ahead of time. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches!
