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Honey BBQ Chicken Made with homemade honey barbecue sauce and tender boneless chicken thighs. So easy to make on the grill, oven, cast iron skillet…or even the air fryer! Do you like BBQ Chicken? Try my Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders!

Why you’ll love this recipe

I think we can all agree that quick and easy dinners are always a good idea! Especially those that do not heat the kitchen in the hot months of the year. With summer in full swing, you’ll find me grilling outside as much as possible. Last night I was at a loss as to what to make for dinner so I asked the family for suggestions. Someone shouted honey barbecue chicken! Although I’m pretty sure he meant it fried Chicken, this is the recipe that popped into my head. This barbecue chicken is soft, sweet and juicy! Chicken thighs full of flavor slathered in homemade honey BBQ sauce is absolute yum!

What other cuts of chicken can I use?

while i used Boneless and skinless chicken thighs Since they are juicy and difficult to overcook, you can certainly use any cut of chicken you have on hand. Keep in mind that the thicker the cut of chicken (like a chicken breast), the more it will need to be cooked and reach a temperature of 165 degrees Celsius. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs or legs, but it will take a long time. Much More time to cook so keep that in mind.

Honey BBQ Chicken

Do I have to use dark brown sugar in the honey BBQ sauce?

It depends. If you want the deep flavor of a salty BBQ sauce, then yes I would say you should use dark brown sugar. You can make your own if you have light brown sugar and molasses. For this recipe you would use 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 3/4 teaspoon molassesand mix together with a fork.

How to make honey barbecue chicken

For complete recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card below. I’ve also included cooking variations below if you want to try it in the oven, stovetop, or air fryer! Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect when making honey barbecue chicken:

For the honey barbecue sauce

Heat Fat or butter B small pot On Medium heat. add garlic and sauté until it just starts to brown, being careful not to burn it.

Add the rest of the ingredients (Ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, dark brown sugar and lemon juice) to the pan and cook on medium low heat, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Keep warm until ready to use.

for the chicken

rub Fat On chicken for full coating. Season chicken with Salt and pepper, and Garlic powder.

Place chicken On Hot grill or black stone and Sear until golden on one side. Flip to brown the other side.

Brush on BBQ sauce + finish cooking

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 155 degrees Fahrenheit, brush barbecue sauce Generously and turn into caramel on the grill. Repeat on the other side and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 165 degrees Celsius. Should take less than 20 minutes, depending on your grill.

Serve + enjoy!

Serve hot with Additional BBQ sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Cooking variations

While I enjoy grilling outside as much as possible while the weather is nice, there are several ways to cook BBQ chicken!

stove top: I recommend using a Heavy cast iron pan. Place on medium high heat To get a good sear on the meat follow the rest of the instructions above (just like it was a grill).

Oven: You won’t get a good sear on the meat, but you can definitely make them in the oven in an hour 400°F, Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Instead of waiting until the end to add BBQ sauce, go ahead and do it right from the start until the sauce caramelizes while baking.

air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Fat and Chicken of the season and place in one layer in the basket or on the shelf of an air fryer. Define the Cooking time 12 minutes. Turn the chicken over and air fry for another 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Take out, throw in BBQ sauce and serve.

BBQ honey chicken on a serving plate

Delicious additions for honey barbecue chicken

Residue storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Additional BBQ sauce can be stored separately in a container and In the fridge for up to a week! Add it to other grilled meat or seafood too!

For reheating: Heat in the microwave in 30 second intervals until the desired temperature is reached. You can also reheat this BBQ chicken in an air fryer to bring back some of that crispy texture.

freeze: Store leftovers in an airtight container and freezer Freezer for up to 3 months! Leave to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Honey BBQ Chicken

More grilled chicken recipes to try!

There you have it, friends – another easy dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds! I would love to hear what you think in the comments. Have a good day!

BBQ honey chicken on a plate

Honey BBQ Chicken

Honey barbecue chicken made with homemade honey barbecue sauce and tender boneless chicken thighs. So easy to make on the grill, oven, cast iron skillet…or even the air fryer!

Instructions

  • Heat oil or butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until it just starts to brown, being careful not to burn it.

  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Keep warm until ready to use.

for chicken

  • Apply oil to the chicken to coat completely. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

  • Place the chicken on a hot grill* and sear until golden on one side. Flip to brown the other side.

  • Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 155 degrees Celsius, generously brush with BBQ sauce and caramelize on the grill. Repeat on the other side and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 165 degrees Celsius. Should take less than 20 minutes, depending on your grill. Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Remarks

* Cooking variations
Stove: I recommend using a heavy cast iron skillet. Place on medium-high heat to get a good sear on the meat and follow the rest of the instructions above (just like it was a grill).
Oven: You won’t get a good sear on the meat, but you can definitely make them in a 400°F oven, baking for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Instead of waiting until the end to add BBQ sauce, go ahead and do it right from the start until the sauce caramelizes while baking.
Air fryer: heat the air fryer to 380 degrees Celsius. Oil and season the chicken and place in a single layer in the basket or on the shelf of an air fryer. Set the cooking time to 12 minutes. Turn the chicken over and air fry for another 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Celsius. Take out, throw in BBQ sauce and serve.

diet

Calories: 150KKL | Carbohydrates: 40G | protein: 1G | Fat: 0.1G | Saturated fat: 0.03G | Polyunsaturated fat: 0.1G | Unsaturated fat: 0.02G | sodium: 587mg | potassium: 380mg | fiber: 0.4G | Sugar: 34G | vitamin: 366IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | calcium: 51mg | iron: 1mg

Key word: Barbecue chicken, barbecue sauce

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