Description
Honey BBQ Chicken is a mouthwatering recipe perfect for grilling or baking, featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for family dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep, delivering delicious flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 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
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: 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. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and slightly thick.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or bake at 400°F (200°C) if cooking in the oven. Lightly oil grill grates or line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off and discard leftover marinade. For grilling, place thighs directly on the grill and cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking, arrange chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add Extra Flavor: Brush additional BBQ sauce over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking for enhanced taste and glaze.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice chicken thighs or serve whole. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with sides like coleslaw, fresh garden salad, rice, or in a sandwich with crunchy slaw.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Grilling adds a smoky char flavor, while baking offers convenience and easier cleanup.
- Leftover chicken works well in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Oven baking time may vary slightly depending on chicken thickness.
