Sticky, Sweet Honey Bbq Chicken: A Tasty Recipe

how to make honey bbq chicken

Honey BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that's perfect for a family barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner. It's simple to make and only requires a few basic ingredients for the sauce and chicken. The sauce is a blend of sweet and tangy flavours, including honey, barbecue sauce, and spices, while the chicken can be grilled, baked, or fried according to your preference. This recipe is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your regular barbecue chicken and impress your guests or family.

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Choosing the right chicken cut

Boneless vs Bone-in

Honey BBQ Chicken can be made with either boneless or bone-in chicken cuts. Boneless cuts, such as chicken tenders or breasts, are quicker to cook and easier to eat. They are a good choice if you want a faster cooking time and more even cooking. Bone-in cuts, such as drumsticks or thighs, take longer to cook but have darker, moister meat with more flavour. They are a good choice if you want a more traditional BBQ experience and don't mind the longer cooking time.

Skin-on vs Skinless

Chicken can also be prepared with the skin on or removed. Skin-on chicken will have a crispier texture and more fat, which can add flavour to the dish. Skinless chicken is leaner and may be preferred by those looking for a healthier option. If you are using skin-on chicken, be aware that the skin may burn more easily, especially with a sticky BBQ sauce.

Size of Chicken Pieces

The size of the chicken pieces will also affect the cooking time. Smaller pieces, such as bite-size chicken breast strips, will cook faster and may be preferred for a quicker meal. Larger pieces, such as whole chicken leg quarters, will take longer to cook but can be good for a heartier meal. You can also pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling to ensure more even cooking.

Fresh vs Frozen

If you are using fresh chicken, you can simply season and cook it according to your recipe instructions. However, if you are short on time, buying frozen chicken that has already been pre-cut and seasoned can be a convenient option. Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking and follow the package instructions for the best results.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best chicken cut for Honey BBQ Chicken is the one that you prefer. If you are cooking for a group, consider a variety of chicken cuts to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences. You can also provide a range of sauces and sides to further customise the dish to your liking.

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Making the marinade

For a basic marinade, you will need olive oil for moisture, apple cider vinegar for tenderising, and garlic for added flavour. You can also add a touch of sriracha for some spice, or lemon juice for extra zing. Simply add all the ingredients to the bag, seal it, and squish everything around so that the chicken is evenly coated.

If you have the time, it is best to leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the flavours and ensure your BBQ chicken is extra tasty.

For a more complex marinade, you could also add brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, ketchup, and balsamic vinegar. Alternatively, try adding red wine, tomato puree, ground ginger, and mustard powder for a unique twist.

Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and find your perfect marinade.

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Grilling the chicken

Preparation

Before grilling, it's important to prepare the chicken properly. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the rub adhere better to the surface. Next, create a dry rub by combining brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground cinnamon. Apply this rub evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat all sides. Place the rubbed chicken in a covered shallow dish and refrigerate for about two hours. This step will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.

Grilling Technique

When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium or medium-high heat. Oil the grill rack to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook it covered, turning it frequently. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. For leg quarters, grill for 35 to 45 minutes. For chicken tenders or breasts, grill for about 7 to 10 minutes on each side. It's best to only turn the chicken once for more even cooking and to get those beautiful grill marks.

Temperature Control

To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking poultry, including chicken, to an internal temperature of 165°F. Continue grilling and turning the chicken until it reaches this temperature.

Basting

To add extra flavour and moisture to the chicken, baste it with your prepared barbecue sauce during the grilling process. After the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, reduce the heat to medium-low. Brush the chicken generously with the sauce, reserving about 1/2 cup for serving. Continue cooking the chicken, covered, until the internal temperature reaches 170°F to 175°F, which should take an additional 4 to 6 minutes.

Serving

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, transfer it to a serving platter and let it rest briefly before serving. Serve the reserved barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Your honey BBQ chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!

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Making the sauce

You can also add a little twist to the sauce by adding some hot sauce to the mixture for a little kick. This will result in a perfect trio of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours.

If you want to make extra sauce for dipping, simply double the ingredients and separate them into two portions before adding to the chicken.

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Serving suggestions

Honey BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways and is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:

Side Dishes

  • Classics like cornbread, hearty greens such as kale or chard, and rice and beans are always a good choice.
  • For a refreshing option, serve it with a salad. The flavours of the honey BBQ chicken will complement the greens and vegetables in a salad.
  • If you're looking for something more filling, garlic parmesan fingerling potatoes, mac and cheese, and green beans with bacon are excellent choices.
  • Coleslaw is another great side dish to consider, adding a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour to balance the sweetness of the honey BBQ chicken.
  • For a healthier option, serve it with asparagus or any other grilled or roasted vegetable of your choice.

Dipping Sauce

Reserve some of the honey BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This extra sauce will enhance the flavours and keep the chicken moist.

Main Dish or Part of a Larger Meal

  • Honey BBQ chicken can be served as a main dish, but it's also versatile enough to be incorporated into other meals.
  • You can cut up the chicken and use it as a topping for salads, or in dishes like tacos, burgers, nachos, or even as a pizza topping.
  • It also goes well with white rice, and you can drizzle some of the leftover sauce over the rice for extra flavour.

For a Crowd or a Special Occasion

  • This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd at a barbecue or get-together. It's easy to prepare and cook a large batch, and people will surely be impressed by the delicious flavours.
  • If you're serving it for a special occasion, consider pairing it with some sides and a refreshing drink to make it a memorable meal.

Reheating and Leftovers

  • Honey BBQ chicken can be reheated in the oven or microwave, and it freezes well too.
  • You can also use the leftover chicken by shredding it and mixing it with the leftover sauce. This shredded BBQ chicken can then be used in various dishes like tacos, burgers, or as a pizza topping.

No matter how you choose to serve it, honey BBQ chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Frequently asked questions

You will need chicken, honey, and BBQ sauce. Some recipes also include olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, soy sauce, and chili powder.

It depends on the recipe and the cooking method. Most recipes require marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to overnight. Cooking time varies from 10 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the cut of chicken and the cooking method.

Honey BBQ chicken can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Grilling is a popular option as it adds a smoky flavor to the dish. Baking is also a good choice, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning a grill.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to 180°F.

Yes, you can make your own honey BBQ sauce by combining ingredients such as ketchup, tomato puree, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and apple cider vinegar. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

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