Chef Mitchell preparing Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken
šŸ‘Øā€šŸ³ Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

šŸŽ“ 10+ Years Experience ā° 1000+ Recipes Created šŸ½ļø Culinary School Graduate

ā¤ļø My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken recipe during a summer BBQ with friends. After experimenting with various marinades, I perfected this sweet and savory combination that everyone loves. It has become a staple at our family gatherings, and I love seeing the smiles when I serve it. Every time I make it, Iā€™m reminded of those fun summer nights and the joy of cooking for loved ones."

As a culinary expert with over a decade of experience, I specialize in American cuisine and dinner recipes. My passion is creating dishes that bring families together around the dinner table. I have developed a vast repertoire of recipes, focusing on flavor and simplicity, to make cooking enjoyable for everyone.

View All Mitchell's Recipes ā†’
Delicious Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken served on a plate

Why This Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

This Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken recipe is special not only because of its incredible flavor but also due to its simplicity. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that enhances the chicken's natural juices. The marinade ensures that every bite is juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Using a two-step grilling process allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a nice char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Basting with additional BBQ sauce towards the end adds an extra layer of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

šŸ’” Professional Tip

For the best results, consider using bone-in chicken pieces as they tend to remain juicier during cooking. Additionally, letting the chicken marinate for several hours will enhance the flavor even more. If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper to the marinade for an added kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, simply grill the marinated chicken as directed. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen.

If you're looking for a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can work well. Both options will provide sweetness, but they will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish.

The best way to check if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165Ā°F (74Ā°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.

Yes, you can freeze cooked Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator and heat in the oven or microwave.

Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it with rice or baked potatoes to make a hearty meal.

Cooked Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just grill it fresh on the day you plan to serve it for the best taste and texture.

The best way to reheat Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious as it may dry out the chicken.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

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Too Dry

Problem: If your chicken turns out dry after cooking, it may be due to overcooking.

Solution: To prevent dry chicken, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and let the chicken rest before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute.

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Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken skin is not crispy, it may not have been cooked at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Ensure your grill is properly preheated and consider finishing the chicken over direct heat for the last few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

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Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to achieve the ideal internal temperature.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can lead to food safety issues.

Recovery: If you find the chicken is undercooked, return it to the grill immediately and cook until it reaches the safe internal temperature.

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Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt chicken can occur if the grill heat is too high or if it's cooked too long.

Prevention: To prevent this, maintain a steady medium heat and move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to brown too quickly.

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Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, serving it with a side of unsalted rice or bread can help absorb some saltiness.

Bland: If the chicken lacks flavor, consider marinating it longer next time or adding more spices to the marinade.

Fresh ingredients for Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken

The key ingredients for Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken include chicken, honey, and BBQ sauce. The chicken serves as the base, while honey adds sweetness that beautifully complements the smoky BBQ flavor. Using high-quality BBQ sauce can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Opt for fresh, organic chicken if possible, and select a BBQ sauce that you enjoy. The quality of these ingredients will directly affect the taste of your final dish, so choose wisely to make this recipe truly shine.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Using bone-in chicken pieces is recommended for juiciness. Skin-on chicken will also help retain moisture during cooking.
  • Honey: Opt for raw honey if you can find it, as it has a richer taste and more health benefits compared to processed honey.
  • BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste preference. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or spicy, the right sauce can elevate this dish to the next level.
Cooking process for Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process begins with marinating the chicken to allow the flavors to infuse. Once marinated, grilling the chicken ensures it remains juicy while achieving that desirable char. Basting with BBQ sauce towards the end enhances the glaze and brings out the sweetness of the honey.

Achieving perfect results involves monitoring the grill's heat and using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without being overdone. The combination of cooking techniques ensures the chicken is flavorful, tender, and grilled to perfection.

Key Technique for Perfect Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken

The key technique for perfecting Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken lies in the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade for several hours deeply infuses it with flavor and moisture. Additionally, using direct and indirect heat while grilling helps create a perfectly cooked chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

šŸ“‹ Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    For depth of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    Adds umami
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
    For tangy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For aroma
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For sweetness

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup honey
    Natural sweetener
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    For grilling
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    For moisture
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
    For color and flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade

    In a bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Place chicken pieces in a large zip-lock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.

  3. Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400Ā°F).

  4. Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165Ā°F.

  5. Baste with Sauce

    In the last few minutes of grilling, brush additional BBQ sauce over the chicken for extra flavor and a nice glaze.

  6. Rest Chicken

    Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

  7. Serve

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To properly store Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For long-term storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken is delicious when served alongside classic sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or cornbread. For a fresh touch, pair it with a garden salad or some homemade potato salad.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding different spices to the marinade or trying other proteins like pork or tofu. You can also swap the BBQ sauce for a teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.