Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey, BBQ sauce, and spices. Ideal for grilling or baking, it’s a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with various sides, making it a hit for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 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
- 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. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a bit more honey; for a tangier taste, increase the apple cider vinegar.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate it overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven. If using a grill, set it to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
- If grilling, brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. If baking, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- For grilling: Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Brush some additional BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for a charred flavor.
- For baking: Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C). For a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare any sides you’d like to serve with it, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad.
- Slice the chicken thighs into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade (that was not in contact with raw chicken) over the top for added flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken with your choice of sides.
- You can also serve it in a sandwich with some crunchy slaw or on a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the marinade.
- For a smoky flavor, you can use smoked BBQ sauce or add a bit of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes