Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, making it an ideal choice for grilling or baking. Marinated in a mixture of honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and spices, the chicken thighs become tender and flavorful, perfect for serving with your favorite sides or in sandwiches.
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 (optional)
- 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 the ingredients together until they are well blended, forming a smooth and slightly thick mixture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Prepare your grill by setting 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 to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting excess drip off and discard leftover marinade. For grilling, place the chicken directly on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking, place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Enhance Flavor: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the chicken thighs into strips or serve whole. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining BBQ sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, garden salad, or rice. It also works wonderfully in sandwiches with crunchy slaw.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce used for basting according to your sweetness preference.
- Olive oil helps prevent sticking whether grilling or baking.
- The recipe works well with both grilling and baking methods, offering versatility based on your available equipment or weather conditions.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor.
