Sweet And Spicy Barbecued Chicken
Sweet and spicy barbecued chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce with honey, chili, and Worcestershire, balanced by a hint of garlic and onion. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, it offers a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter, divided ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. broiler-fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. honey ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. celery seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the chicken pieces and brown them over medium-high heat.
- Place the browned chicken, skin side up, in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a decent substitute. You can also use different types of chicken pieces, like thighs or drumsticks, for varying textures. Adjust the spice level by increasing the chili powder or adding hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet and Spicy Barbecued Chicken pairs beautifully with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic American meal. Serve alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for balance. For a heartier option, consider serving it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Spicy Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 110 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2269mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
What if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or even ketchup in a pinch. Just be aware that ketchup will add extra sweetness, so you may want to adjust the honey in the recipe accordingly.
Is this chicken recipe suitable for grilling?
Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken pieces instead of baking them. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method will give you a delicious smoky flavor that complements the sweet and spicy sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).