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Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, ideal for grilling or baking. Made with tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a homemade honey BBQ sauce and cooked to juicy perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to prepare and versatile, you can serve it with salads, coleslaw, rice, or in sandwiches for a delicious meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds of chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)

Marinade and Sauce

  • 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
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)


Instructions

  1. 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 together until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick.
  2. 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 the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Preheat Grill or Oven: For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, discarding leftover marinade. For grilling, place thighs on the grill and cook about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking, place chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
  5. Brush Additional Sauce: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken for extra flavor.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain juices.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Slice into strips or serve whole. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  8. Serving Suggestions: Serve hot alongside coleslaw, garden salad, rice, or in a sandwich with crunchy slaw.
  9. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • If grilling, make sure to oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
  • Always check chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce brand or homemade sauce for customization.
  • Leftover chicken can be shredded for use in salads or wraps.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.