Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavors: A mix of sweetness from brown sugar and heat from red pepper flakes, creating the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this an easy recipe for busy weeknights or BBQ gatherings.
Juicy & Tender: Grilling boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures a moist and tender result, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons granulated garlic or garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Toss until the chicken is well coated.
Marinate: Let the chicken sit for at least 4 hours, or refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 18 minutes.
Total Time: 4 hours 28 minutes (including marination time).

Variations

Add More Heat: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or add a diced jalapeño to the seasoning mix.
Sweeten It Up: For a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar or add a drizzle of honey on the chicken after grilling.
Different Cuts of Chicken: You can substitute bone-in chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even chicken legs if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, covered, to retain moisture. You can also grill the chicken briefly to warm it up while preserving its flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use bone-in thighs. Just adjust the grilling time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

2. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook these chicken thighs in an air fryer. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. How can I make these chicken thighs spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra spicy kick.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. If using breasts, be sure to marinate them for a bit longer to keep them juicy.

5. How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight marination will give the best results.

6. Can I grill these chicken thighs without a grill?

Yes, you can pan-sear them in a hot skillet over medium-high heat or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

7. What should I serve with this chicken?

Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for it to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

10. Can I make this recipe with other proteins?

Yes, this rub works great on pork, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

Sweet N Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs are a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re grilling for a family meal or a backyard BBQ, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out for an easy weeknight dinner or as the star of your next outdoor gathering!

Sweet N Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 4 hours 28 minutes (including marination time)
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sweet N Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs combine the perfect mix of heat and sweetness, making for a flavorful, juicy meal. This easy-to-make recipe features boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a simple rub of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes, then grilled to perfection. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a BBQ gathering, these chicken thighs are sure to impress with their balanced flavors and tender texture.

Instructions

Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Season the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.

Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Heat Level: For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the rub.

Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by increasing the brown sugar or adding honey after grilling.

Chicken Options: Feel free to use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts, though bone-in thighs may require more cooking time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American