This easy sticky spicy BBQ chicken is packed with flavor and perfect for any get-together! It combines sweetness and heat in a delicious glaze that clings to juicy pieces of chicken.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up! Just toss the chicken with the sauce and bake. Your dinner guests will think you’re a grill master—just don’t tell them it was this easy! 🤫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts, but be mindful that they may cook faster.
BBQ Sauce: A cup of your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works well. If you want something different, use a teriyaki or even a sweet chili sauce for exciting flavors.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the heat. If you’re looking for a healthier swap, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both can add a unique flavor twist!
Hot Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you’re avoiding spicy foods, you can leave it out entirely or use a sweet chili sauce instead for a milder sauce.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient provides a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works in a pinch, although you’ll miss some of that smoky depth.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Sticky Glaze?
To get that irresistible sticky glaze, the key lies in how you apply the sauce while baking. Regularly brushing the chicken with extra sauce not only enhances flavor but also encourages the sugars to caramelize, creating that beautiful sticky finish.
- Brush on extra sauce every 10-15 minutes during baking for maximum stickiness.
- If you want an extra caramelized look, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving helps it stay juicy and allows the glaze to set. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 35-40 minutes of cooking time in the oven. Plus, a quick broil at the end adds just a couple of minutes. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the chicken cook evenly and let the excess fat drip away.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until it’s nice and smooth. This yummy mixture will coat your chicken and give it that spicy, sticky flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with your sauce. Towel off the chicken pieces first to help them get a good coating, then toss them around until each piece is generously covered in that spicy BBQ sauce.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the wire rack to help prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs on the rack with the skin side facing up. As you do this, make sure to let any extra sauce drip off to avoid excess moisture in the oven.
5. Bake and Glaze:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven! Bake for about 35-40 minutes. While chicken is cooking, every 10-15 minutes, open the oven and brush them with some extra BBQ sauce to help create that sticky glaze you want.
6. Broil for Char:
If you love a charred glaze, turn your oven to broil for a final 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on your chicken so it doesn’t burn. You want that lovely caramelized look, like in the photo!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle back in. Now it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your tender, sticky, and spicy BBQ chicken with your favorite sides!
This recipe not only delivers juicy chicken but also a vibrant sticky, spicy, caramelized crust that’s sure to impress. Feel free to tweak the amount of hot sauce to match your taste for heat. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Spicy BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts! Just remember that they will cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This sticky spicy BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over rice or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to brush them with sauce a couple of times during cooking for that sticky finish!
