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–+ servings

Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

Elaine Gordon
When it comes to pairing with honey BBQ chicken, the key is to balance the rich, smoky, and sweet flavors of the chicken with refreshing and complementary sides. Classic coleslaw is an excellent choice, with its crunchy texture and tangy creaminess that balances out the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towel

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken breasts

For the sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • First, take those chicken breasts out of the package. Rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Trim any excess fat you notice. Now, let them rest for a moment while you whip up your homemade BBQ sauce.

Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn—nobody wants burnt garlic in their sauce!
  • Pour in the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Use low heat to combine these ingredients gently. Add the lemon juice, smoked paprika, and chili powder, stirring continuously.
  • Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Give it a taste; adjust the sweetness or tanginess as desired.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

  • Now that you have your delicious sauce, it’s time to marinate the chicken! In a large bowl, mix the chicken breasts with half of your prepared sauce.
  • Cover it and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can also let it sit overnight for a deeper flavor.

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill

  • As you prepare your chicken, fire up your grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red before you start cooking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place the breasts on the grill, cooking for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use the remaining BBQ sauce to baste the chicken as it cooks, adding extra flavor and moisture.
  • Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer can be very handy here!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Once your chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices. Slice it up, drizzle more sauce if you like, and serve it alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy every bite of your homemade honey BBQ chicken!

Notes

Here are some handy tips to elevate your cooking:
  • Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic chicken if possible. It’s tastier and healthier too.
  • Homemade Sauce is Key: Don’t skip making your sauce. You avoid preservatives, and the taste is simply better.
  • Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate overnight if you can.
  • Use Direct and Indirect Heat: Start with direct heat to sear the chicken, then move to indirect heat to cook through without burning.
  • Let it Rest: Don’t skip resting the chicken after grilling. Resting allows juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 41gFat: 18.2gSaturated Fat: 5.2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 193mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 10mg
Keyword Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe
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