Honey BBQ Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Sweet & Sticky Dinner

Get ready to discover your new family-favorite dinner. This Honey BBQ Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory, creating an irresistibly sticky glaze that coats every single bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires just a handful of simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. We’re not just giving you one method; we’re showing you three fool-proof ways to cook it: baked, grilled, or in the slow cooker!

Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next get-together, this recipe is your answer. Let’s dive in and make the best Honey BBQ Chicken you’ve ever had.

Why This Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. The homemade honey BBQ sauce is what sets it apart, offering a rich flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. It’s versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite cut of chicken and cooking method. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for meal prep, as the flavors get even better the next day.

The 5-Ingredient Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce

The secret to this dish is the sauce, and you won’t believe how simple it is. It’s a quick mix of five pantry staples that come together to create a perfectly balanced, finger-licking good sauce. This is what gives the chicken its signature sweet and tangy flavor with a beautiful, caramelized finish.

• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Start with a good quality smoky or original BBQ sauce as your base.
• Honey: This adds the signature sweetness and helps create that sticky, glossy glaze.
• Soy Sauce: For a touch of salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, savory base note.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken, you’ll need just a few basics. This recipe is designed to be simple and accessible for any home cook.

• Chicken: About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to help brown the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken before cooking.
• Cornstarch (Optional): A slurry can be used to thicken the sauce if needed, especially for the slow cooker version.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): For a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken (3 Ways!)

We believe in options! Choose the cooking method that best fits your schedule and taste preferences. Each one delivers a delicious result.

Method 1: Baked Honey BBQ Chicken (For a Perfect Glaze)

This is our favorite method for achieving a perfectly sticky, caramelized glaze. The oven’s consistent heat works wonders on the sauce.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook it through.
4. Combine & Bake: Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet, tossing to coat every piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and caramelized. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Method 2: Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken (For a Smoky Char)

Perfect for summer cookouts, grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet sauce. For this method, using chicken skewers is a great idea!

1. Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce: Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Reserve about half of the sauce for basting later to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Skewer and Season: Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the skewers.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, start brushing the reserved honey BBQ sauce on all sides.
5. Serve Hot: Continue to grill until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is charred in spots. Serve immediately.

Method 3: Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken (For Effortless Shredding)

This set-it-and-forget-it method is perfect for busy days. It results in tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for shredding and using in sandwiches or bowls.

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. Whisk the sauce ingredients together and pour over the chicken.
2. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) into the slow cooker. Turn to high and let it bubble for 10 minutes to thicken.
4. Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the thickened sauce. It’s perfect for making delicious sliders or rice bowls.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Chicken

• Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the chicken, regardless of the method. Overcooking can make it dry, especially with chicken breasts.
• Reserve Sauce for Basting: If grilling or serving extra sauce, always set some aside before it touches raw chicken to prevent contamination.
• Get a Good Sear: For the baked method, searing the chicken first locks in the juices and adds a great layer of flavor.
• Broil for Extra Caramelization: In the final 1-2 minutes of baking, you can turn on the broiler to get an extra bubbly, caramelized top. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

What to Serve with Your Chicken

This Honey BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with creamy mac and cheese, cornbread, or a fresh coleslaw. It’s also fantastic with roasted vegetables, a simple side salad, or a fluffy bed of rice. For a truly complete meal, try serving it alongside our fan-favorite garlic butter dinner rolls. And for dessert, why not try some easy no-bake Oreo truffles?

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. The flavors are just as delicious, if not better, the next day!

a

Can I make the honey BBQ sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Our recipe is for a semi-homemade sauce using your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce as a base, which we then enhance with honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder for that perfect sweet and sticky flavor.

a

What is the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

This recipe is very forgiving! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will result in the most tender and juicy bites. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully too, especially if you’re careful not to overcook them.

a

What should I serve with Honey BBQ Chicken?

It pairs well with classic American comfort foods. We recommend serving it with mac and cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a simple side of steamed rice and broccoli.

a

How do I get the sauce to thicken and caramelize?

The key to a thick, caramelized sauce is the cooking method. Baking in the oven provides a consistent dry heat that helps the sugars in the honey and BBQ sauce thicken and glaze the chicken perfectly. For an extra boost, you can place it under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes.

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Can I use frozen chicken?

It is highly recommended to thaw your chicken completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen will release a lot of water, which will thin out the sauce and prevent it from glazing properly. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

Your New Favorite Chicken Dinner

This Honey BBQ Chicken recipe is a true triple threat: easy, fast, and incredibly delicious. It’s a versatile dish that you can adapt for any occasion, proving that a show-stopping meal doesn’t have to be complicated. We know this will become a staple in your home.

If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback and shares help us bring more delicious recipes to everyone!

Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

FL Recipes

Honey BBQ Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Sweet & Sticky Dinner

This Honey BBQ Chicken recipe is incredibly easy and versatile, offering baked, grilled, and slow cooker methods. The 5-ingredient homemade sauce creates a perfect sweet and sticky glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Equipment

• 1 Oven-safe skillet
• 1 Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
3. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned on all sides.
4. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet, tossing to coat every piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the sauce has thickened and caramelized. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalProtein: 34gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Tip 1: For an extra caramelized glaze, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Tip 2: This recipe works great with chicken wings as well, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keyword baked bbq chicken,easy chicken dinner,honey bbq chicken

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