Spicy Sweet & Sour Grilled Chicken – Easy, Flavor-Packed BBQ Recipe

There’s something undeniably exciting about a perfectly grilled piece of chicken with a deliciously spicy sweet and sour marinade. This spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken recipe is a game-changer, combining the bold kick of sriracha with the sweet depth of honey and the tanginess of rice vinegar. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or just want to try something new, this recipe will become a fast favorite.

The Beauty of Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken

Sweet and spicy flavors offer the perfect balance that everyone craves. When you bite into spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken, the initial sweetness hits your taste buds, followed by a subtle tang and a satisfying heat. It’s a flavor profile that not only enhances the chicken but also makes every bite memorable. In this recipe, the addition of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar adds a nuanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sriracha’s heat, creating a perfectly harmonious glaze.

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The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken ingredients. Don’t worry, they are easy to find and come together to create a powerful punch of flavor!

1. 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts – You can use thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
2. 1/4 Cup Ketchup – Adds both sweetness and depth to the marinade.
3. 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce – For a savory umami flavor.
4. 2 Tablespoons Honey – Balances out the heat with its natural sweetness.
5. 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar) – Provides the tangy kick.
6. 1 Tablespoon Sriracha or Hot Sauce – For that spicy punch.
7. 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced – Adds aromatic complexity to the marinade.
8. 1 Teaspoon Grated Fresh Ginger – Gives the marinade a zesty, peppery depth.
9. Salt and Pepper to Taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken.
10. Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds for Garnish (Optional) – A fresh garnish adds color and extra flavor.

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Preparing the Marinade for Your Grilled Chicken

The marinade is the secret to infusing your chicken with all the spicy sweet and sour flavors. To make the marinade, simply combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the marinade sit for a few minutes before adding the chicken. This allows the ingredients to meld together, intensifying the taste.

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Marinating the Chicken

Now that you’ve made your marinade, it’s time to prepare your chicken. Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken with salt and pepper. Then, coat the chicken generously with the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-covered. For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can go up to 4 hours if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken will be.

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Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The grill should be hot enough to sear the chicken and give it that beautiful char, but not so hot that it burns the marinade before the chicken is cooked through.

Place your marinated chicken on the grill, and cook for 5–6 minutes per side. As the chicken grills, baste it with the extra marinade for additional flavor and moisture. The goal is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the exterior is slightly charred, providing that perfect grilled texture.

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Serving the Grilled Chicken

Once your spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken is done cooking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful. After resting, slice the chicken if you prefer or serve it whole.

Optional Garnish: Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and a burst of fresh flavor.

Serve with your favorite sides, like rice, grilled veggies, or even a simple salad to balance out the bold flavors of the chicken.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy makes this grilled chicken dish incredibly satisfying. The sriracha adds the right amount of heat, while the honey brings a pleasant sweetness. The tanginess from the rice vinegar ensures the marinade isn’t too heavy and provides a well-rounded flavor profile. This dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and more festive gatherings. Whether you’re looking to spice up your regular grilling routine or impress your guests, this spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken recipe will hit the mark.

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FAQs About Spicy Sweet & Sour Grilled Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them ideal for grilling. If you use breasts, be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

2. Can I make this recipe without sriracha?
Yes! If you don’t like a lot of spice, you can use a milder hot sauce or even skip the sriracha entirely for a less spicy version. Chili flakes can also be used as an alternative.

3. How can I make the chicken spicier?
If you want more heat, add extra sriracha or incorporate fresh diced jalapeños into the marinade. You could also add a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick.

4. Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or a regular frying pan. Make sure to cook the chicken over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to dry out the chicken.

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Conclusion

This spicy sweet & sour grilled chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will elevate your grilling game. The sweet, tangy marinade infused with a hint of heat creates the perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or prepping for a BBQ, this recipe will become a go-to for its simplicity and bold taste. Enjoy!

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