These Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken meets a mix of sweet and spicy flavors, making every bite exciting. Plus, they fit perfectly into your keto plan!
I love throwing these on the grill during summer. The smell alone is enough to get everyone hungry! Pair them with a fresh salad, and you’re set for a fun meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling. If you don’t have thighs, you can use chicken breasts, but they may need less cooking time to stay tender.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade stick. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and a mild taste.
Honey: For a keto option, sugar-free substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol work well. I often use sugar alternatives in marinades—they still give sweetness without the carbs!
Dijon Mustard: This brings a nice tangy flavor. If you want a milder taste, yellow mustard is a suitable alternative. You can also try whole grain mustard for added texture.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is fine, but for a gluten-free option, tamari works just as well. Coconut aminos is another excellent substitute if you’re looking for a soy-free option.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Packed with Flavor?
The secret to flavorful grilled chicken lies in the marinade. Combining all the ingredients well allows them to infuse into the chicken. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix marinade ingredients thoroughly so they combine. This helps each chicken thigh get coated evenly.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour; overnight is even better. This time allows the flavors to penetrate, making your chicken tastier.
- Don’t rush the grilling! Keep the grill at medium-high, allowing the chicken to develop a nice char while cooking through properly.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs (Keto)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey (or sugar-free substitute for keto)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and requires at least 1 hour of marinating time in the fridge. If you can let it marinate overnight, that’s even better for flavor! Grilling will take approximately 15 minutes. So, plan for a delightful 25 minutes of hands-on time plus whatever marinating time you choose!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by combining the olive oil, honey (or sugar substitute), Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s well blended and looks smooth. This will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken into a ziplock bag and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. If you have time, leaving it overnight will really elevate the flavor!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and remove them from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. This ensures that your chicken doesn’t get too soggy on the grill.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice char on the outside, and you want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to be sure they are fully cooked.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Just before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve the grilled chicken thighs with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy your delicious sweet and spicy grilled chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs! Just be aware that they will take a bit longer to cook—around 8-10 minutes per side. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What’s a Good Sugar-Free Substitute for Honey?
A great sugar-free substitute for honey is a sugar-free syrup, such as erythritol-based or monk fruit syrup. You can also use stevia or another low-carb sweetener; just adjust the amount according to your taste, as they can be sweeter than honey!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the cayenne or add extra paprika for flavor without the spice. For more heat, you could also add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade!
