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Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken

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If you’re looking to shake up your grill routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor, I’ve got just the thing—a simple yet irresistible sweet and spicy rub for chicken that’s been a game changer at our house. Don’t let the word “spicy” scare you off—it’s all about flavor, not heat! This blend brings a warm kick balanced by subtle sweetness, and I first discovered it in Simple and Delicious magazine, where it instantly caught my eye as the kind of recipe that’s equal parts easy and crave-worthy.

It’s the perfect weeknight fix: just mix the rub, coat your chicken, and pop it on the grill. In no time, you’ll have juicy, beautifully seasoned chicken with a caramelized crust and bold flavor that feels like summer in every bite. I absolutely loved it, and it’s so versatile that it goes beyond just the grill—try slicing it up for a Tex-Mex-inspired salad with black beans, cheddar, chopped tomato, tortilla strips, and a creamy salsa-ranch dressing. Trust me, you’ll be finding excuses to make this chicken again and again.

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken | realmomkitchen.com
  • BROWN SUGAR
  • PAPRIKA
  • ONION POWDER
  • SALT
  • CHILI POWDER
  • BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST HALVES

Start by creating the seasoning blend. In a small bowl, mix together the first five ingredients—these bring a perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky depth. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of your boneless chicken breasts, pressing lightly so the flavors really soak in.

Next, get your grill ready for action. Coat the grill grates with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil to help prevent sticking, then preheat to medium-high heat.

Place chicken on the hot grill, cover, and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side. Flip just once for beautiful grill marks and even cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F—juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavor.

This recipe yields 5 servings, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or laid-back weekend cookouts.

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick grilling and even cooking. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness—just adjust the grill time slightly.

Is this recipe spicy-hot or just flavorful?
It’s more flavorful-spicy than hot. The rub brings warmth and depth without overwhelming heat, making it family-friendly and easy to customize.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the rub and season the chicken up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge until ready to grill.

What temperature should the chicken reach when done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for 170°F in the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I cook this indoors?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broiler if outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Just keep an eye on the cook time and flip halfway through.

What sides pair well with sweet and spicy grilled chicken?
Try grilled corn, black bean salad, mango slaw, or a Tex-Mex inspired salad with salsa-ranch dressing. It’s also great sliced into wraps or tacos!

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking, or brush the chicken with a little olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and gives a nice char.

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken | realmomkitchen.com

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken

Real Mom Kitchen

This Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken recipe comes together quickly with a bold seasoning rub that adds warmth, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of flavor. Grilled to juicy perfection in under 10 minutes, it’s a weeknight-friendly dish that works just as well for laid-back summer gatherings. Pair it with sides like black bean salad or toss it into a Tex-Mex-style salad for a versatile meal that never disappoints.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 5 servings
Calories 155 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 5 boneless skinless chicken breast halves 6 ounces each

Instructions
 

  • Combine the first five ingredients; rub over chicken.
  • Coat grill rack with cooking spray for grills or brush with olive oil before starting the grill. Grill chicken, covered,  for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 170°. Yield: 5 servings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 838mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 842IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword chicken, grilling, rub
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 from 4 votes

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Recipe Rating




20 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Hey, there – just made this tonight, with a 1/2 tsp added of garlic powder and a few grinds of pepper. My whole family really enjoyed it and we definitely plan to make it again. I also used ancho chile powder since that is what I had. I think I may add a tiny bit of cayenne next time to make it a bit spicier. Thanks for a great, simple rub! It was yummy!

  2. Pingback: Traditional April 2013 Menu | OAMC from Once A Month Mom
  3. 5 stars
    Great recipe! I featured this recipe on my blog which makes healthy changes to blog recipes – I DIDN’T HAVE TO MAKE ANY CHANGES as this was already a great choice 🙂

  4. Pingback: Sweet and Spicy Chicken « Try It You Might Like It
  5. I wish I had found this earlier today. I made chicken for dinner but just baked it with honey mustard salad dressing poured on top. I am bookmarking this for next weekend. Thanks.

  6. I use a rub similar to this one (minus the onion pwd) that I use on spareribs. It never would have occurred to me to try it on chicken. Looks delicious!

  7. I’ve tried something similar, but wrapped the chicken in bacon first before dredging it in the brown sugar-chili powder mixture. Not as healthy, but you know everything’s better with bacon! ahahahahaha

  8. This looks delicious and SO easy! Put this with a baked potato and corn on the cob and you have a perfect summer meal. Thanks for sharing!

  9. I love both recipes but the chicken one has been printed up for the hopefully, the next time, I make chicken. Thanks.

  10. Hey, very nice website. I actually came across this on Ask Jeeves, and I am happy I did. I will definately be returning here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment.
    Thank You

  11. Damn, very nice website. I actually came across this on Bing, and I am really happy I did. I will definately be returning here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just absorbing as much info as I can at the moment.
    Thank You

  12. Saw this in the magazine as well, and thought it looked great. Glad to know it really is good!
    ~Jamie

  13. Thanks for claifying “spicy”. 🙂 I probably wouldn’t have tried it because my young boys don’t like spicy things, but now I’m for sure trying it. We love grilling!! Thanks.