Sticky-Sweet Honey Bbq Glaze For Chicken Perfection

how to make a honey bbq glaze for chicken

Honey BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue. The key to this dish is the sweet and sticky honey glaze, which can be made with just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we'll show you how to make a mouth-watering honey BBQ glaze that will take your chicken to the next level. So, fire up the grill and get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty treat!

Characteristics of Honey BBQ Glazed Chicken

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Chicken, vegetable oil, garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, soy sauce, chilli powder
Cookware Medium saucepan, grill, baking sheet, thermometer, skillet, crockpot, wire cooling rack, saucepan, air fryer
Temperature Medium-high heat, 165° Fahrenheit, 350° Fahrenheit, 450° Fahrenheit, 400° Fahrenheit, 425° Fahrenheit
Time 5 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 30-60 minutes, 5 hours, 8 hours, 10 minutes, 7 minutes, 1 minute

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Choosing your chicken pieces

Choosing the right chicken pieces is a crucial step in making honey BBQ chicken. The type and cut of chicken you select will determine the cooking temperature and time needed to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender meat. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your chicken pieces:

  • Bone-in or Boneless: You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken pieces for your honey BBQ glaze. Boneless options include chicken breasts, which you can pound to an even thickness for more uniform cooking, or chicken tenders, which are smaller and cook faster. Bone-in options include chicken thighs or leg quarters.
  • Skin-on or Skinless: Opting for skinless chicken pieces is generally recommended, as they are healthier and can be easier to work with. However, leaving the skin on can add flavour and moisture to the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
  • Fresh or Frozen: It is best to use thawed chicken for your honey BBQ glaze, but if you are short on time, you can use frozen chicken thighs or legs and increase the cooking time.
  • Size and Thickness: The size and thickness of your chicken pieces will impact cooking time. Thicker cuts, such as large chicken breasts, may take longer to cook through and can be more challenging to cook evenly. Consider pounding breasts to an even thickness or using smaller cuts like tenders to ensure faster and more even cooking.
  • Quantity: Plan the quantity of chicken based on the number of people you intend to serve. A standard serving size is about 4 to 6 ounces of chicken per person.
  • Personal Preference: Finally, consider your personal preference and that of your guests. Dark meat, such as chicken thighs or legs, tends to be juicier and more flavourful due to a higher fat content. White meat, like chicken breasts, is leaner and can dry out more quickly, so careful cooking is essential.

Remember to handle raw chicken with care, washing your hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after touching it. By choosing the right chicken pieces and following food safety guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious honey BBQ glaze that your friends and family will love!

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Making the glaze

Ingredients

You will need:

  • Honey
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Chicken
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, vegetable oil, ketchup, brown sugar, chilli powder, salt, pepper

Method

  • If you have the time, brine your chicken in a mixture of water and salt for an hour or two. Rinse well after brining.
  • Prepare your chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, flatten them to about 3/4 inch thick with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap or a ziplock bag to prevent splattering.
  • Mix your glaze. You will need 2 tablespoons each of honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Sprinkle each side of the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the glaze onto both sides of the chicken. Reserve 3/4 of the glaze for later.
  • Place the chicken over direct heat and cook.
  • Flip the chicken and brush with glaze every 5 minutes.
  • Continue to flip and brush until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take about 25 minutes, but cooking time may vary.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

If you don't have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Flip and brush the chicken a few times during cooking.

Variations

  • For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • For a more savoury glaze, add some rosemary.
  • For a thicker glaze, add some cornstarch.
  • For a stickier glaze, reduce the amount of olive oil.
  • For a sweeter glaze, add some brown sugar.

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Applying the glaze

Firstly, prepare your glaze mixture. In a small bowl, combine honey, your choice of BBQ sauce, and other desired ingredients such as soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, or garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-incorporated glaze.

Now, let's talk about the chicken. You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, such as breasts, tenders, thighs, or wings. If you're using thicker pieces like breasts, you may want to pound or flatten them slightly to ensure even cooking. If you have time, brining the chicken for an hour or two can also help keep it moist and juicy.

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, around 450°F, and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes on each side, turning only once for those beautiful grill marks.

Here comes the fun part—basting the glaze! Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze onto the chicken. Make sure to get it on all sides and into any nooks and crannies. Baste the chicken every 3-5 minutes throughout the cooking process. Continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Once your chicken reaches the desired temperature, transfer it to a baking sheet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy bite.

If you want an extra sticky and glossy finish, you can brush the chicken with the glaze one last time after removing it from the grill. Alternatively, you can serve the remaining glaze on the side as a dipping sauce.

And there you have it! Your honey BBQ chicken is now ready to be devoured. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavours of your perfectly glazed chicken!

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Cooking the chicken

There are a few different ways to cook your honey BBQ chicken, depending on the equipment you have available. You can grill it, bake it, or cook it in a slow cooker.

Grilling the chicken

If you're grilling the chicken, you'll want to start by trimming and flattening the chicken breasts so that they're all around 3/4 inch thick. This will help them cook more evenly. If you have the time, you can also brine the chicken for an hour or two before grilling—this will help keep the meat moist.

While the chicken is resting, clean and oil your grill, and preheat it to a surface temperature of about 450°F.

Next, mix your glaze ingredients: honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and olive oil.

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the glaze onto both sides of the chicken.

Place the chicken over direct heat on the grill. Flip the chicken and brush with glaze every 5-6 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take around 25 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Baking the chicken

If you're baking the chicken, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the prepared chicken in a greased baking pan and bake until a thermometer reads 165°F, about 25 minutes.

Brush the chicken with the sauce, reserving 1/2 cup. Bake the chicken again until it reaches 170°F, about another 5 minutes.

Slow cooker method

For the slow cooker method, whisk together your barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Place your chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the chicken.

Cook on low for 5 hours (or 8 hours if using frozen chicken).

After cooking, turn your oven broiler to high. Place a wire cooling rack on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the reserved sauce over the chicken, then place under the broiler for about 1 minute to set the glaze.

Tips for cooking the perfect chicken

  • Don't cut into the chicken to check if it's done—this will dry out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature instead.
  • If you're grilling, make sure to oil the grill before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
  • If you're baking, you can also brush the chicken with extra sauce halfway through the cooking time.
  • If you're using a charcoal grill, be careful not to overdo the coals—you'll need to learn to adjust the vents to control the temperature.

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Serving suggestions

Honey BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways and is a perfect addition to your next barbecue! Here are some serving suggestions:

Rice Bowl

Create a rice bowl by serving the chicken on a bed of steamed rice. You can also add some grilled vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, and a drizzle of extra honey BBQ sauce for a tasty and filling meal.

Salad

Chop up the honey BBQ chicken and place it on a bed of fresh greens like kale or spinach. Add some chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocados, and your favourite salad dressing. You can also add some croutons or nuts for an extra crunch.

Sandwich or Wrap

Place slices of the chicken in a soft roll or pita bread with some lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a classic sandwich. For a wrap, you can add some grilled peppers, onions, and a drizzle of sauce.

Sides

Honey BBQ chicken goes well with classic barbecue sides such as cornbread, hearty greens like kale or chard, and rice and beans. For a more indulgent option, serve it with Hasselback potatoes or crispy smashed potatoes.

With a Different Sauce

While the honey BBQ sauce is delicious, you can also serve the chicken with a variety of other sauces. Try it with a spicy sriracha mayo, a cooling ranch dressing, or a simple squeeze of lemon.

As an Appetizer

If you're serving a more substantial meal, the honey BBQ chicken can be a tasty appetiser. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve it with toothpicks, along with some dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

With a Different Meat

While chicken is a popular choice, you can also use the honey BBQ sauce with other meats. Try it with pork chops, or even as a glaze for grilled shrimp or salmon.

Frequently asked questions

You will need honey, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Grill the chicken for 7-10 minutes on each side.

Brush the glaze onto the chicken generously every 3-6 minutes.

The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Yes, cook the chicken in a greased baking pan at 450°F for about 25 minutes, then brush with sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

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