Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe features juicy grilled spicy BBQ chicken thighs coated with a flavorful homemade spicy barbecue sauce. The chicken is cooked low and slow on the grill to ensure tenderness, while the rich sauce combines apple cider vinegar, sriracha, and a blend of spices for a perfect balance of heat and tang. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a smoky, spicy flavor punch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Spicy BBQ Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp sriracha
- 2 tsp hot chili paste (sambal oelek or substitute sriracha)
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the finely chopped onions. Cook until the onions become tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in apple cider vinegar, water, ketchup, paprika, sriracha, hot chili paste, chili powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them evenly on all sides with salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-low heat, ensuring it’s hot before placing the chicken on it.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill smooth side down. Grill them low and slow, turning every 3 to 4 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Continue grilling until the chicken juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F (74-77°C).
- Baste with Spicy BBQ Sauce: During the last few turns on the grill, generously baste the chicken thighs with the prepared spicy BBQ sauce to build layers of flavor and caramelization.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F to avoid overcooking.
- The barbecue sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Sambal oelek can be substituted with additional sriracha or another chili paste to adjust the heat level.
- For added smokiness, consider adding wood chips to your grill.
- Boneless skinless thighs keep the chicken juicy but you can also use bone-in thighs if preferred; increase cooking time accordingly.
Keywords: spicy BBQ chicken thighs, grilled chicken, homemade barbecue sauce, grilled chicken recipe, spicy BBQ sauce
