Detroit Smokehouse Motown BBQ Chicken Sandwiches | Motown Hot Sauce

This recipe highlights the sweet-tangy, fermented red jalapeño flavor of Heat Street Detroit’s MoTown - Red Jalapeno sauce, with notes of brown sugar and tomatoes. Think Detroit backyard BBQ meets soul food sandwich shop.

Detroit Smokehouse Motown BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Time	Duration
Prep Time	15 minutes
Marinating/Rest Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Assembly Time	5 minutes
Level	Medium 🌶️🌶️
Serves	4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Motown BBQ Glaze

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 3 tbsp Heat Street Detroit “MoTown” Red Jalapeño sauce

• 1 tbsp Detroit-style mustard

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp butter

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Detroit Flare Toppings

• Butter-toasted brioche buns

• Pickles

• Crispy fried onions

• Sharp white cheddar

• Optional: smoked turkey bacon or grilled onions

Instructions

1. Season the chicken

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.

2. Grill or Smoke

Cook over medium-high heat (or on a smoker at 250°F) until the chicken reaches 175°F internally and develops a little char.

3. Make the Motown glaze

In a saucepan, combine:

• BBQ sauce

• MoTown Red Jalapeño sauce

• mustard

• maple syrup

• vinegar

• butter

Simmer 5 minutes until glossy and sticky.

4. Glaze and Caramelize

Brush chicken heavily with glaze during the last few minutes of cooking so it gets lacquered and smoky.

5. Build the Sandwich

Toast brioche buns in butter. Layer:

• Cheddar

• Glazed chicken

• Fried onions

• Pickles

• Extra hot sauce drizzle

Detroit Side Pairings

Serve with:

• Smoked Mac & Cheese

• Coney-Style Chili Fries

• Grilled Corn with Cayenne Butter

• Vernors Float or Detroit-Style Cream Soda.

Extra BBQ Move

Mix a spoonful of the MoTown sauce into baked beans with brown sugar and bacon. The fermented red jalapeño flavor cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

You can grab the sauce directly from Heat Street Detroit.