28 Color Blends - the Most Vibrant Color Blends in the Industry
Home / Blog / Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken

Get Inspired with Nicolock

Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken

July 21, 2026

Summer is made for outdoor living. Longer days create more opportunities to gather with family, invite friends over, and enjoy dinner outside instead of rushing back indoors. A grill, a welcoming patio, and great food have a way of turning an ordinary evening into time everyone looks forward to. Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken is the perfect recipe for those moments, pairing smoky barbecue flavor with just the right touch of sweetness and spice for a meal everyone will want to enjoy around the table.

Cooking outdoors is about more than preparing a meal. It creates a relaxed atmosphere where conversations last a little longer, children play nearby, and everyone naturally gathers around the grill. Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken fits that setting perfectly because it is approachable enough for a casual weeknight while still feeling special for weekend entertaining. As the chicken caramelizes over the heat, the sauce develops a rich glaze that delivers bold flavor and a satisfying finish.

Pair this recipe with grilled corn, roasted vegetables, crisp coleslaw, or a fresh summer salad for a complete meal that celebrates the season. A comfortable outdoor dining area makes serving just as enjoyable as cooking, giving everyone a place to slow down and enjoy the evening together. When your backyard is designed for gathering, simple recipes like Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken become part of the memories you create all summer long.

Ready to make every meal outdoors even more enjoyable? Nicolock offers everything from premium pavers and outdoor fireplaces to complete outdoor living solutions that help create spaces built for relaxing, dining, and entertaining. If you're planning a new grill area or upgrading your outdoor kitchen, explore Nicolock's outdoor dining collection to find products that complete your backyard. Then discover even more seasonal favorites by browsing our growing collection of recipes for fresh inspiration throughout the grilling season.

Serves 8

Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 dashes of hot pepper sauce
  • 2 broiler/fryer chickens (3-1/2 to 4 pounds each), cut up

Sweet-Heat Barbecue Chicken Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, sauté garlic in butter until tender. Add the next eight ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; set aside.
  2. On a lightly greased grill rack, grill chicken covered over medium heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with sauce. Grill 15 minutes longer or until a thermometer reaches 170°, basting and turning several times.

Taken from americanmadegrills.com