Spicy Southern Barbecued Chicken
Fire up your grill and bring bold, zesty flavors to your table with this Spicy Southern Barbecued Chicken recipe! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks are dry-rubbed with a smoky blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection for a tender, crispy finish. The real star here is the irresistible barbecue glaze, a tangy-sweet concoction of smoky barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Perfect for summer cookouts or game-day gatherings, this dish pairs well with classic Southern sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Ready in just an hour and packed with bold spices, this grilled chicken recipe delivers mouthwatering flavor in every bite. Don't forget to serve with extra sauce for dipping!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup your favorite smoky barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F) or prepare a charcoal grill with an even layer of hot coals.
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to create the spice rub.
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and lightly coat them with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice rub generously over both sides of each piece, pressing it into the chicken to ensure it adheres.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Cover the grill and cook for 20 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
While the chicken cooks, combine the barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the glaze.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze generously over the chicken, turning and basting frequently. The sugar in the glaze will caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy your Spicy Southern Barbecued Chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
793 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.7 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 242 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 878 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.0 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.7 g | ||
| Protein | 54.9 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 61 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 720 mg | 15% | |
*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.
