Description
Honey BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and juicy grilled or baked chicken dish marinated in a delicious blend of honey, BBQ sauce, and spices. Perfect for summer barbecues or a tasty dinner, this recipe offers tender chicken thighs infused with sweet and smoky flavors, finished with a garnish of fresh parsley. Serve it with your favorite sides or make a hearty sandwich with crunchy slaw.
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 the mixture is 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 and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat cooking equipment: Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off and discard leftover marinade. For grilling, place the chicken on the grill and cook about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking, place chicken on prepared baking sheet, bake for 25-30 minutes flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden.
- Finish with BBQ sauce: Brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking to enhance flavor.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve and garnish: Slice into strips or serve whole, arrange on a platter, drizzle with any remaining BBQ sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serving suggestions: Enjoy the Honey BBQ Chicken hot with sides like coleslaw or garden salad, or use it in sandwiches or over a bed of rice.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Brush additional BBQ sauce during cooking to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results than chicken breasts.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or salads for a quick meal.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
