Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing! This Spicy BBQ Chicken Marinade is not just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your grilling game from boring to extraordinary. With a perfect blend of tangy, smoky, and spicy notes, this marinade turns simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that will make you the star of every backyard barbecue and family dinner.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure all the dry spices are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
- Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferred level of spiciness and flavor intensity.
- Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is completely coated. Seal the bag or container and gently massage to distribute the marinade evenly.
- Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken, discarding any remaining marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4-8 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more intense and deeper the flavors will become.
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to your BBQ sauce and spices. The quality of your marinade directly impacts the final taste of the chicken.
- When grilling, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat to get those beautiful char marks and seal in the marinade's flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety. Conversely, for heat lovers, add extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This marinade works wonderfully with different cuts of chicken—try it with breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
