Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Honey BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling season or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with smoky BBQ sauce for tender, juicy chicken thighs that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
• 1 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
4. Step 4: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5. Step 5: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
6. Step 6: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Step 7: Lightly oil the grill grates or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
9. Step 9: For grilling, place chicken directly on the grill and cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
10. Step 10: For baking, place chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden.
11. Step 11: Brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
12. Step 12: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes.
13. Step 13: Slice chicken into strips or serve whole. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce if desired.
14. Step 14: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a smoky twist, add a bit of chipotle powder in place of smoked paprika.
• Use chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Serve in a sandwich with crunchy slaw or over rice for a delicious meal variation.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving to maintain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch the cooking time closely to keep them juicy.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating for at least 1 hour will impart good flavor, but overnight marination enhances the taste and tenderness significantly.

Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including marination; active time about 40 minutes)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and spices, then perfectly cooked on the grill or baked in the oven. The result is a tender, smoky, and sweet chicken dish ideal for gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pounds of chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)

Marinade

• 1 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together until smooth and slightly thick.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
3. Preheat Cooking Equipment: If grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil grill grates or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard leftover marinade. For grilling, place chicken on grill and cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking, arrange chicken on baking sheet and bake 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Apply Additional BBQ Sauce: Brush extra BBQ sauce on chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking to enhance flavor and caramelization.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from grill or oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice or serve whole, arrange on platter, drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with sides like coleslaw, garden salad, or in sandwiches.
7. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Notes

• For best results, marinate chicken overnight to allow flavors to infuse deeply.
• You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Brush extra BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Grilling imparts a smoky flavor; baking is an easy alternative that still yields delicious results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken Thighs, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Honey Marinade Chicken, Summer Grilling Recipe