Description
Discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken with this Easy Honey BBQ Chicken recipe. The perfect balance of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce creates an irresistible glaze that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- drumsticks
- whole cut-up chicken
- liquid honey
- BBQ sauce
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- smoked paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil
- vegetable oil
- avocado oil
- apple cider vinegar
- unsweetened grape juice
- chicken broth
- cayenne pepper
- hot sauce
- fresh lime juice
- fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken – Take the chicken out of the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to let it come closer to room temperature. If using chicken breasts, pound them gently to an even thickness. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Season the Chicken – Drizzle the chicken lightly with olive oil. Generously season both sides of each piece with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings in to ensure they adhere well.
- Step 3: Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce – In a small bowl, combine your favorite BBQ sauce with the honey, starting with about 1 cup of BBQ sauce to 1/4 to 1/2 cup of honey. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Optionally, add a dash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch more smoked paprika.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Oven Method) – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on the rack without touching. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until halfway cooked. Brush the tops with honey BBQ sauce, flip, brush the other side, and return to the oven. Continue to bake, brushing with more sauce every 5-7 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Alternative: Grill Method – Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grates. Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grates and cook for 5-7 minutes per side. Start brushing with honey BBQ sauce, turning and basting frequently, for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Rest and Serve – Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board or serving platter and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For a perfect glaze, apply the sauce in layers during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness and avoid overcooking. Consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor.