Name: Easy Spicy Mexican-American Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 4 chicken thighs; 0.5 cup Mexican-style hot sauce (such as Valentina); 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or more to taste

Easy Spicy Mexican-American Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

For a flavorful, spicy meal, these baked chicken thighs are a perfect choice. The combination of hot sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper delivers a satisfying kick, while brown sugar balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
cup Mexican-style hot sauce (e.g., Valentina)
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or more to taste)
Cooking spray for greasing the dish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Grease a small baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the hot sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is generously coated.

Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and begun to brown.

Step 7: Check the chicken for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of a thigh. The temperature should reach at least 165F (74C).

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (half of the recipe)

Calories	427
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	142mg
Sodium	1610mg
Total Carbohydrate	11g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	39g
Vitamin C	46mg
Calcium	39mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	563mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients.

If you're following a medically restrictive diet, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

Comments

Steven Roberts

03/27/2024 05:27:51 PM

Here is the rewritten review: "This chicken dish is simple to make and delicious. I followed the recipe as instructed, but my husband, who enjoys spicy food, found it a bit too hot for his taste. I plan to make it again, possibly reducing the amount of cayenne pepper and adding a little more brown sugar. I also want to try the suggestions for thickening the sauce and increasing the baking time. The chicken near the bone was undercooked after just 40 minutes. Despite these adjustments needed, the recipe is still delightful."

Kenneth Wilson

08/26/2023 09:41:35 AM

Great product! I was able to marinate a larger quantity without adding extra hot spices or sugar. To enhance the flavor throughout the meat, I highly recommend using an injector syringe from kitchen stores. This tool allows you to inject marinades directly into the meat, resulting in a delicious outcome. It's a worthwhile investment as it is durable - mine has lasted 10 years and still going strong.

Melissa Wilson

03/25/2025 11:48:14 PM

I made a slight adjustment to this recipe. I started with Chili Sauce as the base and then incorporated a variety of hot sauces like Sriracha, Tapatio, and Tabasco to reach 1/2 cup of hot sauce. The result was a perfect blend of sweetness with a satisfying spicy kick!