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Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including marination; active time about 40 minutes)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/honey-bbq-chicken-recipe/