Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Delight is a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky richness of barbecue sauce with the sweet depth of honey, creating a perfect glaze over juicy, tender chicken. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes this dish a family favorite that’s both simple and satisfying.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless preferred)olive oilsaltblack peppergarlic powderonion powdersmoked paprikahoneyBBQ sauce (your favorite variety)apple cider vinegar(optional) hot sauce
directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil.
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
In a small bowl, mix together honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of hot sauce if using.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, coating it well.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top for added flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesSearing time: 5-6 minutesBaking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
Use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of thighs for a party-friendly option.
Swap BBQ sauce for a chipotle or bourbon-infused version for a flavor twist.
Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers to the baking dish for extra sweetness and texture.
Grill the chicken instead of baking for a smoky outdoor flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.You can also freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, then bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the baking time to ensure it cooks through.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or cornbread pair beautifully.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize the top.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chicken Delight is an easy, flavorful dish that brings comfort and bold taste to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, this sweet and savory chicken will quickly earn a spot in your regular recipe lineup.
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A sweet and tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Delight that’s perfect for a family dinner or weekend barbecue. Juicy chicken breasts glazed with a sticky honey BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix honey, barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form the marinade.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting and pour the rest over the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or bowl. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Discard used marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush reserved marinade on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky glaze.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes if a grill is unavailable.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.