These Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious treat! They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and have just the right kick to make your taste buds dance.
Cooking these thighs is super simple. I love tossing them on the grill and enjoying that smoky aroma. Plus, they disappear fast at any BBQ—so be ready to share (or not)! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect because they stay juicy while grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts work well, but adjust the cook time to prevent drying out.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own! If you want a lighter option, try a vinegar-based sauce. For a sweet twist, go for a honey BBQ sauce. Choose flavors that please your taste buds!
Hot Sauce: I like a good kick, so I use a spicy sauce like Frank’s RedHot, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. If you prefer less heat, use a milder hot sauce or skip it altogether for a basic BBQ flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work. The goal is to enhance that BBQ taste without overpowering it.
Fresh Parsley: While this is optional as a garnish, it adds a fresh flavor and brightness to the dish. Feel free to swap it with cilantro or green onions for a different twist!
How Do I Make Chicken Thighs Super Flavorful with Marinade?
Marinating chicken thighs is key to infusing flavor and tenderness. It’s simple but very effective! Start by mixing your marinade in a large bowl.
- Combine BBQ sauce, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well!
- Coat the chicken thighs well and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but longer (up to overnight) gives the best flavor.
- Grill the thighs skin-side down first—this helps the skin get crispy and adds flavor. Baste them during the last few minutes with leftover marinade for extra sauce!
Letting the chicken rest after grilling is just as important—it allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite!
How to Make Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
For The Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate. Then, grilling the chicken will take around 15 minutes. All in all, plan for a bit of waiting as the flavors develop while the chicken marinates!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until the ingredients are well combined and you have a nice, flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade in the bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated by turning them over a few times. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight for even more flavor!
3. Preheat and Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side. Baste with any leftover marinade during the last few minutes, but make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You want those thighs nicely charred and caramelized!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook a bit faster, so grill them for about 4-6 minutes per side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Just be mindful that boneless thighs won’t have the same crispy skin as bone-in thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute hot sauce with sriracha for a similar heat or even a mix of cayenne pepper and a bit of vinegar for spice and tang. Adjust the quantity based on how spicy you want the chicken to be!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator to ensure it stays safe to eat. If you need to marinate for longer, consider reducing the salt in the marinade slightly to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty.
How Should I Store Leftover BBQ Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or on the grill for a few minutes to regain that delicious grilled flavor!
