This spicy chicken recipe is bold, juicy, and full of heat with deep savory flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving something with a kick.

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Chicken

• 1½ lb (700 g) chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½–1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

Optional Heat Boost

• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp chili flakes

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Place chicken in a bowl.
2. Add oil, salt, pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken in a single layer.
3. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

Step 3: Turn Up the Heat (Optional)

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Add hot sauce or chili flakes.
3. Toss chicken for 30 seconds until glossy and spicy.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
• Smoked paprika adds depth, not just heat
• Rest chicken 2 minutes before serving
• Adjust cayenne to control spice level

🔄 Easy Variations

• 🍯 Spicy honey chicken: drizzle with honey at the end
• 🧄 Spicy garlic butter: add butter + fresh garlic
• 🍋 Spicy lemon chicken: squeeze lemon juice before serving
• 🧀 Creamy spicy chicken: finish with a splash of cream

🍽️ Serve With

• Rice or noodles
• Roasted vegetables
• Flatbread or wraps
• Fresh cucumber or yogurt sauce to cool the heat

If you want, I can also share:

• 🔥 Crispy spicy fried chicken
• 🍗 Air fryer spicy chicken
• 🥗 High-protein spicy chicken bowls
• 🌮 Spicy chicken tacos

Just tell me 😄