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Devilled Chicken Recipe

If you’re after a quick and tasty dinner that packs a bit of a punch, this Devilled Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this dish because it’s super easy to throw together, yet it bursts with flavor thanks to its spicy, tangy marinade. When I first tried making devilled chicken, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so good. Stick with me here—I’ll share all my best tips so your chicken turns out juicy, perfectly grilled, and with just the right kick every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these at home, making it a stress-free dinner option.
  • Quick to Prepare: Marinate for an hour (or skip if in a rush) and you’re ready to grill in under 20 minutes.
  • Flavor-packed: The mix of cayenne pepper, mustard, and chutney gives it that lovely spicy-sweet tang.
  • Family Favorite: My whole gang goes crazy for this—perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Devilled Chicken Recipe is how the few simple ingredients come together beautifully in the marinade to create big flavor. A quick tip: using boneless, skinless thighs keeps the chicken juicy and tender, plus the slits in the meat really help the marinade soak in perfectly.

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I find thighs stay moist and flavorful compared to breasts, and grill nicely without drying out.
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds just the right kick, but feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
  • Mustard powder: Provides that classic sharpness typical in devilled dishes.
  • Tomato sauce: Gives a little tang and sweetness, balancing the spice.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
  • Mango chutney: I love this ingredient because it adds a fruity sweetness that contrasts so well with the heat.
  • Worcester sauce: Offers a subtle umami depth—don’t skip it!
  • Oil: Helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken from drying during grilling.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What’s great about this Devilled Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is. I often change things up depending on what’s in the fridge or how spicy I’m feeling. Don’t be shy to customize it to your liking!

  • Spice level adjustment: If you like it milder, I dial down the cayenne to half a teaspoon or omit it entirely, and my kids don’t complain at all!
  • Fresh herbs: Sometimes I toss in chopped coriander or parsley just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  • Alternative proteins: Tried this with chicken breasts and even pork chops—just adjust cooking times accordingly, but the marinade works beautifully with them too.
  • Grilling vs baking: On busy days, I bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway, and it still tastes fantastic.

How to Make Devilled Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Perfect Marinade

Start by mixing the cayenne pepper, mustard powder, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, mango chutney, Worcester sauce, and oil in a small bowl. I like using a whisk or fork to get it smooth and well combined. This blend is what gives the chicken its signature bold flavor, so take your time to get it right.

Step 2: Prep Your Chicken

Trim any excess fat from your chicken thighs—no one wants chewy bits. Then, make two or three small slits in each thigh; I discovered this trick because it lets the marinade really seep deep inside, making every bite bursting with flavor. Place the chicken in a bowl and use a pastry brush or your hands to coat them evenly with the marinade.

Step 3: Let Those Flavors Marinate

Cover the marinated chicken with cling film and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. Honestly, the longer you can leave it, the better the flavor. I’ve even marinated overnight when I planned ahead, and it tastes next-level amazing. When you’re short on time, 30 minutes still works fine.

Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Place your marinated chicken thighs on a grill rack and preheat the grill to medium. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the juices run clear. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s reached 165°F inside for safety and juiciness. Avoid overcooking; it should stay tender and moist.

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Pro Tips for Making Devilled Chicken Recipe

  • Slit It Up: Making slits in the chicken isn’t just for looks—it lets the marinade penetrate deeply, so don’t skip this step.
  • Marinate Longer: I’ve found marinating overnight amps the flavor dramatically, especially if you’re not short on time.
  • Use a Thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, check internal temp—165°F is your target for tenderness and safety.
  • Watch the Grill: Keep a close eye so the sugary chutney in the marinade doesn’t burn; medium heat is perfect.

How to Serve Devilled Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of six grilled chicken pieces, arranged in two layers. The bottom layer has three golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with some charred spots and a shiny, slightly oily surface. The top layer has three more chicken pieces, showing a similar golden orange color with grill marks and a slight glaze. Fresh chopped green herbs are scattered on and around the chicken for decoration. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a folded blue cloth with white dots near it. In the background, a white bowl with mixed green salad is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped coriander or parsley over the chicken before serving—it adds a fresh, bright contrast to the spicy richness. Sometimes a simple wedge of lemon squeezed on top also adds a lovely zing that my family really enjoys.

Side Dishes

This devilled chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or even a simple green salad for a lighter option. On cooler days, I like serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or grilled veggies like zucchini and peppers to balance the heat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this devilled chicken sliced on a platter with roasted fingerling potatoes and vibrant herb garnishes. It looks elegant but is super easy to put together, so you can impress without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed the flavors even deepen after sitting a bit, so leftovers might just taste better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze any unused marinated chicken before cooking—I wrap each thigh individually in cling film, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual. This has saved me on busy nights more times than I can count!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually give the chicken a quick warm-up in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. The microwave works in a pinch but can dry the chicken out, so low and slow on the stove is my preferred method.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Devilled Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during grilling, you can substitute breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts dry out faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly, grilling about 4-5 minutes per side.

  2. Do I have to grill the chicken, or can I bake it instead?

    You can certainly bake devilled chicken if you don’t have access to a grill. I recommend baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. The flavor stays delicious, and it’s a great option for indoor cooking.

  3. How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

    Ideally, marinate for at least one hour to let the flavors soak in. However, if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add good flavor. For the fullest taste, marinating overnight works wonders.

  4. Is this Devilled Chicken Recipe very spicy?

    The heat mostly comes from cayenne pepper, so you can adjust that to suit your taste. I usually keep it moderate so it’s enjoyable for the whole family, but feel free to add more if you love spice!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Devilled Chicken Recipe turns out every single time—a little bit spicy, a touch tangy, and incredibly juicy. It’s become my go-to dish when I want something that’s quick but still impresses everyone at the table. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t forget—experiment with the marinade a bit to find your perfect flavor balance. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

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Devilled Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 12 min
  • Total Time: 17 min
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Devilled Chicken is a classic British recipe featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a spicy and tangy sauce made with cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and mango chutney. This dish is grilled to perfection, delivering juicy and flavorful chicken with a piquant kick, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 3 tbsp tomato sauce
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp mango chutney
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Put the cayenne pepper, mustard powder, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, mango chutney, Worcestershire sauce, and oil into a small bowl and mix thoroughly to create the marinade.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and make two or three slits in each piece to allow the marinade to penetrate better.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and use a pastry brush to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the dish with cling film and refrigerate for at least one hour, or longer if possible, to enhance the flavors.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Set the grill to medium heat and let it warm up while the chicken marinates.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a grill rack and place it under the preheated grill. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on one side.
  6. Turn and Continue Grilling: Flip the chicken thighs over and grill for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Notes

  • Devilled chicken is an easy and flavorful British classic, perfect for a quick meal.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked fully; juices should run clear when pierced.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer than one hour if time allows.
  • You can serve this with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 951 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg

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