Grilled Sriracha Barbecue Chicken

Growing up in New England, I didn't eat a ton of spicy food. As an adult, I'm taking every chance I get to incorporate more spicy foods into my diet, hence this sriracha BBQ chicken!

The sriracha BBQ sauce can be used for chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even pork! The chicken cooks up quickly on the grill, so it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, nutritious dinner. Serve this sticky chicken with corn on the cob, coleslaw, potatoes, or even rice for a smoky, spicy dinner everyone will love.

Need more sweet and spicy grilling inspiration? Try this Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken or Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken!

What is Sriracha Chicken?

Sriracha is a delicious, spicy sauce that is commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. The main ingredients that make up this sauce are red chili peppers, which give the sauce its famous kick, garlic, and vinegar. If you are like me and love spicy foods, then sriracha sauce is a pantry staple!

Tips for Grilling Sriracha BBQ Chicken

Here are some quick tips for making sure your BBQ chicken comes out perfectly:

• Marinate: I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 3 hours or overnight if you can! The longer you marinate, the more flavor will be infused into the chicken.
• Brush: If you like your chicken saucy, feel free to brush the chicken as it cooks on the grill so the sauce caramelizes.
• Make chicken skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes and thread it onto metal or wooden skewers along with bell peppers and pineapple and grill.

Making Sriracha BBQ Chicken in the Oven

Don't have a grill? Make this recipe in the oven instead! Here's how:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray an oven-safe, glass cooking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the marinated chicken in the dish and cook in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until fully cooked. You will know the chicken is fully cooked when there is no pink meat and the center is white.

Can I make this recipe in a skillet?

Absolutely! First, shake off any excess marinade and lay the chicken thighs in the hot skillet. Then, cook for about 5–6 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. For extra flavor, you can brush the chicken with the Sriracha BBQ sauce during the last minute or two of cooking or just serve it on the side.

What to Serve with Sriracha Chicken

Here are some of my favorite options to serve with this sriracha chicken recipe:

• Corn on the cob: It doesn't get more classic than grilled chicken and Grilled Corn.
• Potato wedges: Make these Crispy Baked Potato Wedges in the oven or Grilled Potatoes if you want to keep things outside. For something a little sweeter to balance out the chicken, make some Grilled Sweet Potatoes!
• Slaw: This Coleslaw is super creamy and helps mellow out the spiciness from the chicken.
• Veggies: Any type of grilled vegetable would be delicious with this chicken! I love pairing it with Grilled Green Beans, Garlic Grilled Broccolini, or Grilled Cauliflower.
• Rice: Make an Asian-inspired dinner by placing the chicken on a bed of Easy Sushi Rice with some Sesame Broccoli. If you need a low-carb version, use Cauliflower Rice.

Storing Sriracha BBQ Chicken

Keep your sriracha BBQ chicken fresh with these tips:

• Store: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
• Leftovers: Chop up the leftovers and make a BBQ Chicken Bowl for a low-fuss lunch or dinner! Another fun option is to add some coleslaw and chicken to a wrap.