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Honey BBQ Chicken

Honey BBQ Chicken is made with juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a sweet and smoky homemade barbecue sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for cookouts, family dinners, and summer grilling.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon oil or butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Chicken

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil or another neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil or butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
  • Simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth, thickened, and bubbling gently.
  • Keep the sauce warm while preparing the chicken.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry.
  • Coat them evenly with avocado oil.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook until nicely seared on one side.
  • Flip and cook the second side until the internal temperature reaches about 155°F (68°C).
  • Generously brush the Honey BBQ Chicken with the homemade sauce.
  • Flip the chicken and allow the sauce to caramelize.
  • Brush the opposite side with more sauce and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  • Serve warm with extra Honey BBQ Sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be substituted but may cook faster.
  • Serve with grilled corn, baked potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh coleslaw.
  • Leftover sauce makes a delicious dip for fries or grilled vegetables.