– **Title**: Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 tablespoons paprika
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice, store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined to form a marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure the thighs are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for about 7-8 minutes. Flip them over and brush with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for an additional 7-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if using, and serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your succulent and spicy grilled BBQ chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for grilling since they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but be mindful that cooking times may differ.
BBQ Sauce: A spicy BBQ sauce is essential for flavor. If you can’t find spicy sauce, you might mix a regular sauce with a bit of hot sauce or salsa to amp up the heat!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the skin crisp up. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil makes a good substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an extra kick. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance. If you’re avoiding spicy food, you can replace it with sweet paprika for a milder taste.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
Marinating is key to infusing the chicken with flavor. For the best results, aim to marinate for at least an hour, but overnight is ideal. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure everything is blended.
- Add the chicken thighs, turning them to coat fully in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate. The longer the meat sits in the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs!
Before grilling, let excess marinade drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill, but don’t worry about getting every drop off. The reserved marinade is perfect for basting and adds even more flavor during cooking!
How to Make Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, and then you should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor). Add about 20 minutes for grilling, so in total, you’ll need around 30 to 40 minutes, plus marinating time. It’s easy to prepare and bursts with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and honey if you like it a bit sweeter. This marinade will give the chicken its amazing flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each thigh is coated well. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For a deeper flavor, leave it overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is essential to get a nice sear on the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Don’t throw away the leftover marinade; keep it for basting later. Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
5. Continue Grilling and Basting:
Flip the chicken thighs over and use the reserved marinade to baste them. Grill for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
6. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute so the chicken stays tender. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, and feel free to serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy your deliciously spicy BBQ chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the grilling time to about 5-7 minutes per side, as they cook faster without the bone. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How Can I Make the Marinade Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade. You can also add an extra tablespoon of honey for sweetness or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors without adding spice.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them juicy, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil, which helps retain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach the required internal temperature. You can broil them for the last few minutes for a crispy skin!
