Sizzling Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe for Summer Joy

Sunkissed backyard barbecues come alive with these mouthwatering grilled spicy bbq chicken thighs that pack a serious punch of flavor.

Crispy skin and tender meat promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Marinades infused with bold spices create a zesty profile that will make taste buds dance.

Summer gatherings demand something special, and these chicken thighs deliver every single time.

Charcoal grills work magic, caramelizing each layer of spicy glaze into irresistible goodness.

Quick and simple preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Serve these juicy, flame-kissed delights alongside cool salads or grilled vegetables for a perfect meal that screams summer celebration.

Reasons to Love Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Kick-Start Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold spices and hot sauce, this marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Grill Master's Delight: Incredibly simple technique that guarantees perfectly charred, juicy chicken with minimal cooking skills required, making you look like a pro at any backyard gathering.
• Meal Prep Champion: Overnight marinating means you can prep ahead, giving busy families a quick and delicious dinner solution that requires minimal last-minute effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works brilliantly for casual weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, potlucks, and summer get-togethers, satisfying both spice lovers and classic BBQ fans.

Must-Have Ingredients for Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat that absorbs marinade perfectly and becomes tender when grilled.

• BBQ Sauce, Hot Sauce: Provides a spicy and tangy flavor profile that coats and enhances the chicken's taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Aromatic spices that add depth, warmth, and a subtle kick to the marinade.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall flavor of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings evenly and prevents chicken from sticking to the grill.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh color and light herbal note to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions for Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a zesty marinade by combining BBQ sauce, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything thoroughly until the ingredients blend into a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Deliciousness

Gently add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece gets completely covered. Rotate the thighs to guarantee an even coating. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for at least an hour, or overnight if you’re planning ahead.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat, targeting around 400°F. Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill grates. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with remaining marinade during the final minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F – you want those thighs perfectly cooked with a gorgeous char.

Step 4: Rest and Plate

Transfer the grilled chicken off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step keeps the meat incredibly juicy. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra flavor kick.

Smart Tips for Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Control the Heat: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to customize spice level, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish without overwhelming heat.
• Prevent Burning: Watch chicken closely while grilling to avoid charring; move to cooler grill spots if needed to maintain even cooking.
• Grill Temperature Matters: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without drying out the chicken thighs.
• Sauce Safely: Brush marinade only during final grilling minutes to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure chicken is fully cooked.

Fun Twists on Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Oven-Baked Spicy BBQ Chicken: Replace grilling with oven baking at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, turning once midway to ensure even cooking and crispy exterior.
• Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken: Transform recipe by cooking chicken thighs in slow cooker on low for 6 hours with marinade, creating tender and deeply flavored meat.
• Gluten-Free Herb-Infused Option: Swap traditional BBQ sauce with gluten-free version, add fresh rosemary and thyme for enhanced herbal undertones and alternative flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce, remove onion powder, increase cayenne and smoked paprika for intense flavor without added carbohydrates.

Tasty Pairings for Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Zesty Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the spicy BBQ chicken's richness and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Create a light cucumber salad with dill and mint, offering a cooling effect that balances the heat and adds a bright, fresh element to the meal.
• Complement with Corn on the Cob: Grill sweet corn brushed with butter and sprinkle with chili powder to echo the spicy notes of the chicken while providing a complementary summer side.
• Match with Crisp Amber Ale: Select an amber ale with mild maltiness that can stand up to the bold BBQ flavors without overpowering the chicken's spicy marinade.

Storing Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Store grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each thigh separately in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled chicken thighs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Frozen chicken remains safe for up to 4 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain juiciness.

FAQs About Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

• How spicy will these chicken thighs be?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use. For mild spice, use less cayenne or a milder hot sauce. For extra kick, add more cayenne or use a spicier hot sauce like Sriracha or habanero sauce.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they cook faster and might dry out more quickly. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them juicy and flavorful during grilling. If using breasts, reduce grilling time and watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Do I need to remove the chicken skin before grilling?

No, keep the skin on. The skin helps lock in moisture and becomes deliciously crispy when grilled. It also adds extra flavor and helps prevent the meat from drying out.

Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy BBQ chicken thighs bring smoky flavor and bold heat to summer gatherings. Marinated in zesty spices and grilled to perfection, this dish promises a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Marinade Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together BBQ sauce, hot sauce, olive oil, and spice blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
2. Immerse chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
3. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Position chicken skin-side down on grill grates.
4. Grill chicken thighs approximately 5-7 minutes per side, carefully monitoring for even caramelization. Periodically baste with remaining marinade during final cooking minutes.
5. Verify internal meat temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer to ensure complete cooking. Look for deep golden-brown exterior with crispy edges indicating perfect doneness.
6. Transfer grilled chicken from grates and allow to rest 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout meat. This step guarantees maximum tenderness and moisture retention.
7. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for vibrant color contrast. Serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce on side for enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Swap hot sauce for milder versions like sweet chili or sriracha to adjust spice levels for sensitive palates.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option that cooks faster and reduces overall fat content.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and checking ingredient labels carefully.
• Enhance marinade depth by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or honey for balanced sweet-tangy complexity.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg