Firecracker Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 8 Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce (for marinating; use your preferred brand)
• All-purpose or BBQ rub (to taste)
• 0.5 cup Hot sauce (for the glaze)
• 1 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar (a little splash)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour in enough buffalo sauce to coat them thoroughly. Shake or toss to ensure even coverage.

2. 2

   Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate overnight.

3. 3

   Prepare your grill for two-zone cooking (indirect heat). If using a Slow 'N Sear® kettle, light the coals and set it for a 'slow and steady' cook. Add a couple of chunks of bourbon barrel wood or other smoking wood for flavor.

4. 4

   Remove the chicken thighs from the buffalo sauce and place them on the indirect heat side of the grill.

5. 5

   Season the chicken thighs generously with your choice of all-purpose or BBQ rub. Close the lid and let them cook.

6. 6

   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the firecracker sauce. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

7. 7

   Whisk the sauce over medium heat until the sugar has completely melted and the sauce begins to bubble. Remove from heat and set aside.

8. 8

   Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, move the thighs directly over the hot coals. Sear them briefly, turning frequently, until the skin is crispy and charred in spots.

9. 9

   Move the chicken back to the indirect heat side of the grill. Generously brush the firecracker glaze over each thigh.

10. 10

    Close the lid for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set and become sticky before removing the chicken from the grill to serve.

Notes

The author notes that this recipe is inspired by Michael Reed, but this version is sweeter. If you prefer more heat, reduce the brown sugar or increase the red pepper flakes.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• grilled
• chicken
• spicy
• bbq
• dinner