Description
Spicy BBQ Glazed Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Sear in olive oil until browned.
Mix BBQ sauce and honey. Brush over chicken.
Simmer on low heat, turning often, until sauce thickens.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
BBQ with a spicy twist!
Who’s grilling this for dinner?
#SpicyBBQChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and the cayenne pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms. The chicken will not be fully cooked yet.
3. While the chicken sears, mix the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until fully combined.
4. Reduce the stove heat to low. Pour the BBQ-honey glaze over the chicken in the pan, using a brush to coat each piece thoroughly.
5. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, turning and basting every 2-3 minutes. The sauce will bubble, reduce, and thicken into a sticky glaze. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken pairs perfectly with sides that balance the heat and richness. Serve it alongside creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or a crisp garden salad. For a hearty meal, try it with baked beans, grilled corn on the cob, or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the extra glaze. Don’t forget a bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping!
How-to Summary
To make Spicy BBQ Glazed Chicken: Season and sear chicken breasts until browned. Mix BBQ sauce with honey to create the glaze. Reduce heat, coat the chicken with the glaze, and simmer, turning frequently, until the sauce is thick and sticky and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in or boneless thighs work great. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs often take a few minutes longer to cook through.
How can I make this less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also use a mild or sweet BBQ sauce instead of a spicy variety.
Can I make this on a grill?
Yes. Grill the seasoned chicken over direct heat until marked and nearly cooked. Move to indirect heat, brush with glaze, and continue grilling with the lid closed, basting until glazed.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
My glaze is too thin. How do I thicken it?
If the sauce hasn’t reduced enough, remove the cooked chicken and simmer the sauce alone over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if needed. Crowding steams the chicken, preventing a proper sear.
- Adding the Glaze Too Early: Applying the sugary glaze before the chicken is seared can cause it to burn quickly.
- Cooking on Too High Heat After Glazing: Always reduce to low when simmering in the sauce to prevent the honey from scorching.
- Not Letting the Sauce Reduce: Simmer until the sauce truly thickens and coats the chicken; a runny glaze won’t adhere properly.
Conclusion
This Spicy BBQ Glazed Chicken recipe is a guaranteed way to elevate a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and a kick of cayenne creates an irresistible, restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly glazed, juicy chicken every time. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.
