Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
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This Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken is packed with bold flavor, juicy texture, and just the right amount of heat. Made with simple ingredients and grilled to perfection, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, meal prep, or slicing over salads and wraps. Serve it alongside my Creamy Avocado Sauce for an extra burst of cool, creamy flavor that balances the heat perfectly.
If you love easy chicken dinners with bold flavor, this recipe is a must-try. Much like my Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs, this spicy grilled chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, pasta salad, or tuck it into wraps and tacos for a simple meal everyone will love.
What Readers Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This chicken turned out so juicy and flavorful! The seasoning had the perfect amount of heat without being overpowering, and the smoky grilled flavor was incredible. My whole family loved it, and we used the leftovers for wraps the next day.
– Debra
Quick Look: Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
- 👨👩👧👦 Servings: 6
- 📊 Calories: ~304 kcal per serving
- 🥣 Ingredients: Chicken thighs, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika,oregano, red pepper flakes.
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy, great for meal prep and cookouts!
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Why this Recipe Works
Bold Flavor with Simple Ingredients: A smoky blend of spices gives this chicken the perfect balance of heat and flavor without needing complicated ingredients or marinades.
Perfect for Summer Grilling: Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, this spicy grilled chicken cooks fast and stays juicy every time.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and use the leftovers throughout the week for quick lunches, sandwiches, bowls, and wraps.
Fire up the grill this summer, and make this easy recipe everyone will enjoy, like my Soy Sauce Chicken Wings or my Grilled Soy Sauce Chicken.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or tenders if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar: Dark or light will work here.
- Red Pepper Flakes: This can be adjusted according to your preference.
How to Make Spicy Grilled Chicken
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix all of the spices together with the brown sugar. Place the chicken in a large bowl and toss with the spice mixture until coated.
- Step 2: Grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.
Recipe Tips
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to keep the juices locked in before slicing.
- This chicken is great for meal prep and can be used in salads, wraps, tacos, rice bowls, or sandwiches throughout the week.
- This recipe also works well on a grill pan or indoor cast-iron skillet when outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
- Don’t flip the chicken too often. Letting it cook undisturbed helps create those flavorful charred grill marks.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs FAQ's
Both chicken breasts and boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Chicken thighs tend to stay a little juicier, while chicken breasts are leaner.
This recipe has a moderate level of heat that’s flavorful without being overpowering. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Yes, this recipe also works well in a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or indoor grill.
This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, salads, pasta salad, Milk Boiled Corn on the Cob, Dill Pickle Potato Salad Recipe, or wrapped in tortillas for tacos and wraps.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes
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Sweet N Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs see notes
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon granulated garlic or powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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Instructions
- In a small bowl combine brown sugar, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, granulated garlic, oregano, salt, and red pepper mix.
- In a bowl or large ziplock bag add your chicken and sprinkle the seasoning mixture and toss until well coated.
- Place into the fridge and let marinate for 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Grill chicken thighs covered over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side. Or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees and juices run clear.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Yes let it marinate in the fridge until ready to grill.
Do you refrigerate the chicken after adding the rub?
Sounds delicious Can this recipe be cooked in oven???
Love this dish. I've made it a few times and its always a hit. Chicken is juicy is very tasty!