Spicy Rubbed Barbecue Chicken with Secret Sauce
Get ready to elevate your barbecue game with this irresistible Spicy Rubbed Barbecue Chicken with Secret Sauce! Packed with bold flavors, this recipe features tender, juicy chicken legs and thighs coated in a smoky, slightly sweet dry rub made with paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne for just the right kick. The star of the show is the "secret sauce," a tangy, homemade masterpiece combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire, and a whisper of liquid smoke for that authentic barbecue aroma. Whether grilled to perfection over indirect heat or roasted in the oven, this dish promises caramelized, saucy goodness in every bite. Perfect for backyard cookouts or weeknight indulgence, serve it with extra secret sauce for dipping and wow your guests with this ultimate barbecue recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken legs and thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the dry rub.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub olive oil evenly over the skin.
Generously apply the dry rub to the chicken, coating all sides.
If grilling, arrange the chicken on the hot grill over indirect heat and close the lid. If using the oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Cook the chicken for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the secret sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the secret sauce on all sides.
Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with extra secret sauce on the side and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
488 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 912 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.5 g | ||
| Protein | 25.3 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 51 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 443 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
