Barbecue Honey Chicken

Get ready to fire up the grill because our barbecue honey chicken is here to steal the spotlight! This sweet and savory recipe combines the rich flavors of honey and smoky barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any backyard cookout. Whether you’re hosting a summer bash or simply craving a tasty dinner, this barbecue honey chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Make it a meal and serve this super delicious grilled chicken with coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese!

 

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Honey Chicken

• Versatility: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a well-rounded meal. From salads to grilled veggies, it’s a versatile centerpiece.
• Easy to Prepare: Grilling chicken is straightforward and doesn’t require complex ingredients or techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Great Leftovers: Leftover BBQ honey chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps, making meal planning easier.

You’ve got to try making grilled BBQ honey chicken! It’s super easy and insanely delicious. Just imagine tender chicken breasts smothered in a mouthwatering mix of BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, and a perfect blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. The flavors meld together beautifully on the grill, giving you that sweet and smoky goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s perfect for any summer gathering or even a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

I’m always on the hunt for the best grilling recipes. This chicken is loaded with flavor and so super simple. We tested it a few weeks ago for a family party and it has been requested multiple times since then. Something about the sauce makes this irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is short and sweet, just like the sauce, and ideal for a no-fuss grilling adventure. Here is what you need.

• Chicken: For grilled BBQ honey chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic choice. They cook quickly, absorb the marinade well, and provide a lean protein option. If you prefer something juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also a great option.
• Barbecue Sauce: The “best” BBQ sauce can be quite subjective and often depends on personal preference and regional tastes. We like our homemade sauce but have also been known to use Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubbs.
• Ketchup: Ketchup adds a natural sweetness that complements the honey, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Honey: Clover honey is an excellent choice. It has a mild, sweet flavor that complements the BBQ sauce without overpowering it. Here are a few other options:
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder all help boost and enhance the finish to the chicken and sauce.

Barbecue Honey Chicken Recipe

Grilled chicken is a summer staple. Once you’ve mastered this easy recipe you’ll easily be able to customize the flavors!

1. Season the Chicken: Drizzle oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning in and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: Mix together barbecue sauce, honey, ketchup, and onion powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to 400°F (medium-high heat) and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken: Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until it reaches 155°F internally.
5. Add the Sauce: Brush the chicken with the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Helpful Tools

To make your BBQ honey chicken recipe a breeze, here are some helpful tools to have on hand:

• Grill Tongs: (affiliate) Long-handled tongs make it easy to flip and move the chicken without burning yourself.
• Meat Thermometer: (affiliate) Ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Basting Brush: (affiliate) Perfect for applying the BBQ honey sauce evenly over the chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: (affiliate) For combining the BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, and spices.

Recipe FAQs

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5 from 1 vote

Honey BBQ Chicken

Author Jesseca

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Serves: 6

Get ready to fire up the grill because our barbecue honey chicken is here to steal the spotlight! This sweet and savory recipe combines the rich flavors of honey and smoky barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any backyard cookout. 

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Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 3 large chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness or sliced in half lengthwise)
• ▢ 1-2 tablespoons oil
• ▢ 3/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

• ▢ 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• ▢ 3 tablespoons honey
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ketchup
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken pieces on a clean plate or cutting board. Drizzle a little bit of cooking oil over the chicken, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly on all sides.
• Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken. Set the seasoned chicken aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, ketchup, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside.
• Turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes.
• Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 155 degrees Fahrenheit at this stage.
• Use a brush or spoon to generously coat the chicken with the barbecue honey sauce you prepared earlier.
• Continue cooking the chicken for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and makes the chicken even more delicious.

Notes

• Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside and lock in the juices.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by brushing the grill grates with oil before placing the chicken on them. This also helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
• Indirect Heat: Start grilling the chicken over direct heat to get a good sear, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. This prevents burning while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

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