These sweet and spicy grilled chicken thighs are a treat for your taste buds! Marinated in a mix of honey, spices, and a hint of heat, they’re juicy and full of flavor.
Grilling them brings out that delicious char. I always serve them with a side of rice or fresh veggies, making for a meal everyone loves. Get ready for a tasty crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use boneless skinless thighs for a leaner option. Just adjust your cooking time.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a lovely glaze. If you’re in a pinch, maple syrup or agave nectar can serve as excellent substitutes!
Sriracha: This sauce brings heat! Adjust the amount to your liking or replace it with chili paste or even hot sauce if sriracha isn’t your favorite.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it on hand, white vinegar or rice vinegar works well as alternatives, but might slightly change the flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings robust flavor. If you’re out of fresh, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder can work too, but fresh is always best!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs?
The key to juicy grilled chicken thighs lies in the grilling technique. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked:
- Marinate for maximum flavor—ideally overnight. This will penetrate the meat and enhance the taste.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps to get that crispy skin!
- Start grilling skin side down to crisp it up first. Don’t move it too soon; let it sear for 6-8 minutes.
- Flip and lower the heat to medium to cook through without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the goal.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps juice redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating (preferably overnight!) and around 20 minutes for grilling. So, plan for a delicious meal with a little wait for the flavors to develop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a bit of salt. Mix until it’s all combined well. This sweet and spicy marinade is what will give your chicken an amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the tasty marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets a nice coating. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour; overnight is best for more flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important for achieving that perfect grill mark and crispy skin!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Now, place the chicken thighs skin side down on the hot grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes or until the skin is beautifully crispy and has nice grill marks.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and lower the grill heat to medium. Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly through!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Serve your sweet and spicy grilled chicken thighs with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like. You can also pair it with grilled veggies or your favorite side for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious sweet and spicy grilled chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the grilling time by a few minutes since they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and check them around the 5-minute mark after flipping.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a replacement for honey in this recipe. Both will maintain the sweetness, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm skillet or in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can! The marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to add the chicken and marinate it for at least 1 hour before grilling to ensure the flavors fully penetrate the meat.
