Description
This Sweet and Sticky BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs or breasts coated in a flavorful homemade barbecue glaze. The smoky spices combined with the sweetness of honey and the tang of barbecue sauce make this dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer grilling favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub the chicken evenly with olive oil, then season all sides with salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and chili powder to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature (around 400°F/205°C) to ensure a good sear and proper cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side, depending on thickness, until it starts to develop grill marks and cooks about halfway through.
- Apply the BBQ Glaze: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the prepared BBQ sauce mixture. Turn the chicken over and brush the other side as well. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning.
- Finish Cooking: Continue grilling while turning and basting as needed to build sticky layers of glaze, cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices before serving. This step ensures the chicken remains tender and moist.
Notes
- Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful for this recipe compared to chicken breasts.
- Brush the sauce only towards the end of cooking to prevent the honey from burning and becoming bitter.
- Pair with sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For added spice, incorporate cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the barbecue glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
