Your New Favorite Juiciest and Spicy BBQ Chicken Recipe !

Searching for a new and exciting meal? This recipe will show you how to make the best spicy BBQ chicken.

You will mix a simple marinade with soy sauce and spices. The chicken soaks in it for at least 2 hours. Then, you grill it until it reaches 165°F. A special sweet and spicy sauce is poured over the hot chicken.

Key Takeaways

• Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor.
• Adjust gochujang for your preferred spice level.
• Apply sauce near the end of grilling.

The whole process is very easy. This guide provides all the steps you need. You will learn everything to make this amazing dish. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a fantastic meal.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here is a quick look at what you need to know. This snapshot makes it easy to see the time, servings, and skill needed to make this tasty chicken.

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level	Spice Level
2 hours 15 mins	20 minutes	2 hours 35 mins	4-6 Servings	Beginner	Medium (Adjustable)

Why Spicy BBQ Chicken is a Must-Try for Dinner

Wondering what makes this dish so special for dinner? This spicy BBQ chicken is full of flavor and fun to eat, making your evening meal an exciting event for everyone.

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

This dish has so many great tastes. You get sweet from the sugar and savory from the soy sauce. The gochujang adds a nice spicy kick.

Every single bite is packed with delicious flavor. It makes dinner something to look forward to every time you cook it.

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

Everyone loves this chicken recipe. It is perfect for family dinners. Your friends will enjoy it at a party.

The flavors are a big hit with both kids and adults. It is a meal that brings everyone together. You can be sure that everyone will be happy.

Incredibly Versatile and Easy to Customize

You can change this recipe easily. Add more sriracha for extra spice. Or, add less for a milder taste.

You can serve the chicken in many ways. Put it on rice or in a sandwich. It is also great on top of a fresh salad for dinner.

How to Prepare Spicy BBQ Chicken

Making this delicious dish is simple with these easy steps. Follow along to prepare everything from the marinade to the final saucy chicken, ensuring a perfect result every time.

Ingredients	Amount	Alternative
For the Marinade
Soy Sauce	1 cup	Tamari or coconut aminos
Water	1 cup	Chicken broth
Garlic Powder	1 tbsp	2 cloves fresh minced garlic
Ginger Powder	1 tbsp	1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
Black Pepper	1 tsp	White pepper
White Sugar	4 tbsp	Brown sugar or honey
Boneless Chicken Thighs	2.5 lbs	Chicken breasts or drumsticks
For the Spicy BBQ Sauce
White Sugar	1 tbsp	Maple syrup
Soy Sauce	1 tbsp	Tamari
Water	1 tbsp	Apple juice
Rice Vinegar	1 tbsp	White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Gochujang (Korean chili paste)	2-3 tbsp	Sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce
Sriracha	1 tbsp	Your favorite hot sauce
Ketchup	2 tbsp	Tomato paste with a pinch of sugar
Sesame Oil	1 tsp	Toasted sesame oil (use half)

Step 01: Mix the Chicken Marinade

First, get a large bowl. Pour in the soy sauce and water. Then, add the garlic powder and ginger powder. Next, stir in the black pepper and white sugar.

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. This marinade will make your chicken very tender and tasty.

Step 02: Marinate the Chicken

Now, place the chicken thighs in the bowl. Make sure all pieces are covered by the liquid. For the best flavor, cover the bowl.

Put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. You can even leave it overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 03: Make the Spicy BBQ Sauce

While the chicken marinates, make the sauce. In a small bowl, add the sugar. Pour in the soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar.

Then add the gochujang, sriracha, and ketchup. Finish with the sesame oil. Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth. Set it aside for later use.

Step 04: Cook the Chicken

Heat your grill to about 450°F. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Make sure the inside temperature reaches 165°F. You can also bake it at 400°F for 20 minutes. A pan works well too over medium-high heat.

Step 05: Dice and Sauce the Chicken

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Put the chopped chicken in a pan.

Pour your homemade spicy BBQ sauce all over it. Stir everything together over medium heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Result

Here are some helpful tips to make your spicy BBQ chicken even better. These simple tricks will guarantee your dish is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every single time.

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

Chicken thighs are a great choice. They are very juicy and have more flavor. They do not dry out easily when you cook them.

Chicken breasts also work well. But, be careful not to overcook them. Wings and drumsticks are also tasty options for this wonderful recipe.

The Magic of Marination Time

Letting the chicken marinate is very important. Two hours is good, but longer is better. Marinating overnight makes the chicken very tender.

The flavors go deep into the meat. This step makes a big difference. Do not skip it for the best taste.

Balancing the Heat

You can control how spicy the dish is. For less heat, use only one tablespoon of gochujang. For more heat, add extra sriracha.

You can also add a little honey. This will balance the spice with some sweetness. Make it just right for you and your family.

How to Store and Serve Your Spicy BBQ Chicken

Properly storing and serving your chicken makes a big difference. These tips will help you enjoy leftovers that taste just as good and give you fun ideas for meals.

Storing Method

• In the Refrigerator: Let the chicken cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it great for meal prepping. You can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
• In the Freezer: You can also freeze the chicken. Put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. This is a great way to save a meal for later. Just thaw it before you reheat it.

Serving Method

• With Rice and Greens: A simple way to serve it is over a bed of white rice. The rice soaks up the extra sauce. Add some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds fresh flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.
• In Tacos or Wraps: This chicken is amazing in tacos. Use warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Lettuce, cheese, and sour cream are great choices. It also makes a tasty filling for lettuce wraps. This is a fun and easy meal idea.

Variations to Try

Want to try something a little different? These fun variations add new flavors to the spicy BBQ chicken recipe, giving you exciting new ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Sweet & Spicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Add a tropical twist to your meal. Mix a quarter cup of pineapple juice into your BBQ sauce. You can also add some small pineapple chunks.

This gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. It balances the spice nicely and tastes great.

Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken

For a smoky flavor, try chipotle peppers. Mince one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Stir it into your BBQ sauce mixture.

This adds a deep, smoky heat. It gives the chicken a different kind of spicy taste. It is perfect for those who love smoky foods.

Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention

Even simple recipes can have tricky spots. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making spicy BBQ chicken and easy ways to fix and avoid them.

Mistake #01: Dry and Chewy Chicken

• Solution: Slice the overcooked chicken very thinly. Toss it with some extra BBQ sauce. This will help add back some moisture. You can also mix it into a soup or stew.
• Prevention: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. Cook it until it reaches 165°F. Do not use very high heat for a long time. Let the chicken rest before you cut it.

Mistake #02: The Sauce Burns Before the Chicken Cooks

• Solution: If the sauce starts to burn, lower the heat. You can also move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Scrape off any badly burnt parts before serving.
• Prevention: Add the BBQ sauce at the end of cooking. Brush it on during the last 5 minutes. This gives it time to glaze without burning. This is very important when grilling.

Mistake #03: The Chicken Lacks Flavor

• Solution: If the finished chicken tastes bland, toss it in more sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes. You can also add a little more salt or spice to the sauce.
• Prevention: Do not shorten the marination time. Let the chicken marinate for at least two hours. Make sure every piece of chicken is well-coated in the marinade before you cook it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this spicy BBQ chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. Cook the marinated chicken at 380°F for about 15-20 minutes. Flip it halfway through. Then, toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and serve immediately.

What can I use as a substitute for gochujang?
If you do not have gochujang, you can use other chili pastes. Sambal oelek or a chili garlic sauce can work. You might need to add a little sugar for sweetness.

How can I make a milder version for kids?
To make it less spicy, reduce the amount of gochujang and sriracha. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce to make it sweeter.

Let’s Enjoy and Share!

Now you have everything you need to create an unforgettable meal. This recipe for spicy BBQ chicken is easy to follow and full of amazing flavors.

Give it a try this week for dinner. I am sure you and your family will love it. Share your experience in the comments below!