Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! There’s nothing quite like the taste of smoky, savory BBQ on a warm sunny day. And when you add a kick of heat from some spicy ingredients, you’ll be in culinary heaven. In this article, we’re counting down our top 20 spicy chicken BBQ recipes that are sure to spice up your summer grilling game.
From classic buffalo wings to innovative Korean-style BBQ chicken, we’ve got a recipe for every level of spice lover. Whether you like it sweet and sassy or smoky and bold, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your apron, don your favorite sunglasses, and get ready to fire up the grill with these mouth-watering spicy chicken BBQ recipes!
Honey Sriracha BBQ Chicken Skewers
Elevate your backyard gatherings with these mouthwatering Honey Sriracha BBQ Chicken Skewers, bursting with sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs
Add a smoky kick to your BBQ chicken with this spicy chipotle recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the chipotle mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Jalapeño Lime Grilled Chicken Wings
Add a burst of flavor to your grilled chicken wings with this spicy and tangy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the wings from the marinade and shake off excess.
5. Grill the wings for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of Kentucky with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the sweetness of bourbon, the smokiness of paprika, and the tanginess of barbecue sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (you can substitute with apple cider or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour bourbon mixture over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove drumsticks from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill chicken drumsticks for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
7. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this sweet and spicy BBQ chicken recipe, featuring gochujang, a fermented chili paste.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp crushed black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun Blackened BBQ Chicken Breasts
Cajun Blackened BBQ Chicken Breasts Recipe Summary:
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Cajun blackened BBQ chicken breasts recipe, featuring a spicy and tangy blend of herbs and spices that will elevate your grilled chicken game.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While the chicken is cooking, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
6. Brush the glaze over the chicken during the last minute of grilling.
7. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Garlic Butter BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters
Transform plain chicken leg quarters into a mouthwatering feast with this simple and flavorful recipe. Tender, juicy meat smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and sweetened with a hint of BBQ magic.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken leg quarters in a large baking dish and brush with the garlic butter mixture, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
4. Sprinkle BBQ sauce and brown sugar over the chicken, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken
This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with a spicy kick from chipotle peppers, all wrapped up in a tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tips:
– For an extra crispy glaze, brush the chicken with the BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
– Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
Buffalo BBQ Chicken Sliders
Get ready to spice up your game day with these mouthwatering Buffalo BBQ Chicken Sliders! A perfect combination of juicy chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, and sweet BBQ flavors, all packed into a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and red onion for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together buffalo sauce, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush buffalo-honey mixture on both sides of the chicken during the last minute of grilling.
5. Let chicken rest for 2 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and toast on grill.
7. Assemble sliders by placing chicken on bun, followed by a dollop of BBQ sauce and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Tenders
Get ready to elevate your chicken tender game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup, the tanginess of mustard, and the classic flavors of BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken tenders on it. Drizzle with BBQ sauce.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Ghost Pepper BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these spicy yet savory sandwiches! This recipe combines the bold flavors of ghost peppers with the classic comfort of chicken, all wrapped up in a crispy bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce (see below for recipe)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (optional)
Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp ground ghost peppers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce onto chicken during the last minute of grilling.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken on hamburger buns, topping with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (if using).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoked Paprika BBQ Chicken Quarters
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this flavorful and tender recipe, perfect for a summer gathering or family dinner. Smoky paprika adds depth to the classic BBQ flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken quarters
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken quarters.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While chicken is grilling, mix BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a small bowl.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush the BBQ sauce mixture onto the chicken quarters.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Thai Chili BBQ Chicken Satay
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this spicy and savory satay recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
– Satay skewers (8-10)
– Bamboo skewers or metal rods for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce (if using), lime juice, ginger, cumin, and smoked paprika.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto satay skewers.
5. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with Greek yogurt-based dipping sauce (mix 1/2 cup yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove) and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Chicken Wings
Savor the bold flavors of the Caribbean with these spicy and aromatic jerk-seasoned chicken wings, perfectly grilled to tender perfection.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (see note)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove wings from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill wings for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as Caribbean-style rice and beans or grilled vegetables.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Molasses and Cayenne BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Transform your chicken drumsticks into a mouth-watering masterpiece with this simple recipe, combining the richness of molasses and the boldness of cayenne pepper.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. If desired, brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Harissa BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Transform your backyard BBQs with this flavorful and spicy twist on traditional kebabs! Marinate chicken in a blend of North African spices, then grill to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/4 cup harissa paste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine harissa paste, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken on a large plate or tray. Pour marinade over chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Ancho Chili BBQ Chicken Tacos
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this mouth-watering recipe that combines tender chicken, rich ancho chili, and crunchy taco shells.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Ancho chili paste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ancho chili paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken with olive oil and rub with the Ancho chili mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Shred grilled chicken and serve in tacos with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Mango BBQ Chicken Thighs
Add a tropical twist to your barbecue with these Spicy Mango BBQ Chicken Thighs! Sweet and tangy mango pairs perfectly with spicy chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, creating a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup mango chutney
– 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mango chutney, chipotle peppers, and brown sugar.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Five-Spice BBQ Chicken Skewers
A flavorful twist on classic chicken skewers, these Five-Spice BBQ Chicken Skewers combine the sweetness of BBQ sauce with the savory flavors of five-spice powder and juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
3. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Peach Habanero BBQ Chicken Breasts
Elevate your grilling game with this unique fusion of peachy keen sweetness and habanero heat! This recipe brings together the tender juiciness of chicken breasts, the tanginess of peach jam, and a hint of spicy kick from habanero peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup peach jam
– 2 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together peach jam, habanero peppers, and brown sugar.
3. Brush chicken breasts with the mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
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