Description
Honey BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and juicy recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce blend. Perfectly grilled or baked to achieve a caramelized glaze, this dish offers a delightful combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors ideal for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep.
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 (for garnish, 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 until smooth and slightly thick to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the prepared marinade over them ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat cooking surface: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare for cooking: Lightly oil the grill grates if grilling. Remove the chicken from the marinade allowing excess to drip off and discard leftover marinade to avoid flare-ups or sogginess.
- Cook the chicken: If grilling, place the chicken thighs directly on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, arrange chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Apply extra sauce: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken for an intensified glaze and richer flavor.
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and enhance tenderness.
- Serve and garnish: Slice the chicken thighs or serve whole. Arrange them on a serving platter, drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serving suggestions: Serve hot alongside coleslaw, garden salad, in a sandwich with crunchy slaw, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time permits.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- Adjust the amount of honey or BBQ sauce to tailor sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
- If grilling, keep an eye on flare-ups because of the sugar in the marinade.
- Olive oil helps prevent sticking on the grill or baking sheet.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice herbal touch.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in wraps or salads.
