Description
Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory with Honey BBQ Chicken, featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection. This easy recipe is ideal for grilling or baking, making it a favorite for family meals and gatherings.
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.
- 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 for at least 1 hour, but for best results, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven. For grilling, set it to medium-high heat. For baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly oil the grill grates or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- For grilling, place the chicken thighs directly on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For baking, place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare any sides you’d like to serve with it, such as coleslaw or a fresh garden salad.
- Slice the chicken thighs into strips or serve them whole.
- Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining BBQ sauce if desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken hot, alongside your chosen sides.
- It can also be served in a sandwich with crunchy slaw or on a bed of rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavor profiles.
- For a smoky flavor without a grill, consider using a smoker or adding liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes