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Get ready to spice up your grilling game with our Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs! These juicy, low carb, and keto-friendly chicken thighs are a tantalizing blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With a mouthwatering glaze brushed on as it grills, each tender bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This sugar-free recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful and guilt-free grilling experience.
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As soon as the sun graces us here in Western Washington, we become grill-obsessed. Meats, veggies, fruit - you name it, everything goes on the grill. And today, I want to share with you a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of summer: Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs. I absolutely love this tradition because not only does it keep my kitchen clean and cool, but it also gives me a chance to step back and take a breather while Kevin takes the reins. Don't get me wrong, I adore cooking (duh, right?), but occasionally, I'm more than happy to pass on the baton and let someone else take charge. Outside of the kitchen, I promise I'm not a control freak... well, mostly. Just ask Kevin or my kids – they have some stories to tell!
Grilling can get monotonous if you don't switch things up. Nothing frustrates me more than attending a BBQ where everything tastes the same. That's why I'm thrilled to share my recipe for Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs. I'll confess, I used to be that person who relied on the same old combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, slapping it on the grill without a second thought. Oh, and if you were lucky, there might be some store-bought BBQ sauce thrown into the mix. Yawn! Boy, was I dull.
Especially in the past year, I've made it my mission to create new rubs, sauces, and marinades to infuse our grilling adventures with excitement. And our latest obsession? You guessed it, my Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe. I've completely fallen for it! The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to strike the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. The possibilities are endless, and Kevin has been the perfect partner, eagerly sampling each and every creation.
Now, let's talk about the chicken. As Kevin puts it, these Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs are "grubbin'". Typically, we'll each enjoy a couple of thighs during our BBQ sessions, with Kevin taking some to work and me saving some for a tasty lunch the next day. Well, with one bite of this chicken, we found ourselves in a heated battle over who would claim any remaining scraps. I must clarify that I have a small appetite, usually content with the smaller thighs, leaving the larger ones for Mr. Man. But not this time! Just the act of licking my fingers told me that I was about to unleash my inner foodie and claim the juiciest pieces of Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs for myself. Sorry, Kevin – I can't always be nice! But let's be real, he already knows that.
Looking at the photo of these Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs, with that irresistibly crispy skin and the glorious sauce, I can't help but wonder if we have more chicken thighs in the freezer. Apologies, folks, but my stomach is growling and I simply must run!
In This Post
🥘Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Ingredients
These are some of the ingredients necessary to make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs.
- Bone in, skin on chicken thighs - I prefer thighs because they are juicier and more forgiving to grill.
- Keto honey - this will give you the sweet thick glaze that traditional honey would give you.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Combine the rub ingredients
- Rub the chicken thighs with the mixture.
- Combine honey and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Brush with the honey vinegar mixture and grill.
Hint: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs in the spice rub mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances the overall taste.
📖Variations
- Citrus Twist - squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the grilled chicken and sprinkle it with citrus zest.
- Smoky Chipotle - use a chipotle chili powder instead of regular.
- Sweet Heat Teriyaki - replace the vinegar in the sauce with 1/4 cup teriyaki
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs.
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Outdoor grill
- Grill pan (for indoor)
- Silicone brush
- BBQ tongs
Storage
Refrigerator: Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezer: To freeze the chicken thighs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It's recommended to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the chicken thighs can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Ensure they are labeled with the date for easy reference.
💭Top tip
To ensure juicy and perfectly cooked chicken thighs, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This helps prevent overcooking and keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
FAQ about Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken breasts may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to thighs. To ensure proper doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust the grilling time as needed to cook the chicken breasts thoroughly.
Absolutely! If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, you can still enjoy these delicious chicken thighs by using a grill pan indoors.
While grilling gives the chicken thighs a delicious smoky flavor, you can bake them in the oven if grilling isn't an option. Follow these steps:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the chicken thighs for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and brush them with the honey vinegar mixture. Return them to the oven for the remaining baking time.
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the oven, brush them with any remaining sauce, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Grilled Chicken with White BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Bourbon Mustard Sauce
- Spicy Grilled Clams in Foil
- Broccoli Pesto Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
- Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
- Chimichurri Flank Steak
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs:
- Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
- Spicy Peanut Cucumber Noodle Salad
- Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Keto KFC Coleslaw
- Roasted Asparagus
- Cucumber Kimchi
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- grill pan (If cooking indoors)
Ingredients
For the rub
- 1 tbsp organic garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 to 1 tsp organic ground cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp pink salt
For the honey sauce
- 1/4 cup keto honey
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
For the chicken
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
Instructions
- Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium- high heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with the spice rub mixture.
- Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush the chicken with the honey sauce before you turn them, and after, and again after you remove the thighs from the grill.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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Dionne Baldwin
Mine is growling too! Especially since I haven't had lunch yet. I am totally with you about the nice weather, that's for sure. Today the rain has been pouring down because I had every intention of firing up the grill today. It can wait until tomorrow. 🙂 I hope you have a good end to your week!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
We have rain today too but I am thinking about the next grill day and what I can throw on there!!!
Unknown
I love chicken thighs and dang does that recipe sound delicious. Fantastic recipe 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Anonymous
This is exactly the type of marinade I love - cumin and smoked paprika are two of my favourite spices.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Thanks Eric! Ya I am a huge thigh lover, especially on the grill.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Yes, those are two seasonings I love to use, especially in rubs. I hope you give it a try!
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies
Oh my gosh, I need to try this recipe! Pinning 🙂
Laura M
What can be a substitute for agave nectar? I'm in Canada and I don't even know what it is. Something about cactuses I'm guessing......
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Awesome!! I think you will really enjoy it 🙂
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
You can use honey in place of the agave.