Best Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs with a sweet, caramelized glaze are a high protein, family-favorite chicken dish. These flavorful thighs are easy to grill and always crowd-pleasers.

Cook 45 min Difficulty EASY 330 kcal
#high protein #family-friendly #BBQ #easy meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 2 lbs
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • honey 0.25 cup
  • BBQ sauce 0.5 cup
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 21 g 25%
Protein 29 g 35%
Fat 12 g 40%
Serving size 195g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat chicken thighs dry and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat all sides evenly.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, mix honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.

  3. 3

    Pour half the honey BBQ mixture over the chicken thighs, coating them thoroughly. Reserve the rest of the sauce for basting later.

  4. 4

    Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 8–10 minutes, lid closed.

  5. 5

    Flip chicken, brush with reserved honey BBQ sauce, and grill an additional 10–15 minutes, basting and flipping every few minutes until thighs are cooked through (internal temp 175°F) and the glaze is caramelized.

  6. 6

    Remove the chicken from the grill. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that gives Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs their signature flavor?
The signature flavor of this dish comes from a combination of honey and BBQ sauce. The honey adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze, while the BBQ sauce provides tang and depth, making these chicken thighs irresistible.
Q. How can I ensure the chicken thighs stay juicy and don't dry out on the grill?
Begin grilling the chicken thighs skin-side down over medium heat and avoid high temperatures. Flip and baste the chicken with more sauce throughout cooking, and remove the thighs once they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Letting them rest briefly after grilling also seals in their juices.
Q. Why is timing important when basting with the honey BBQ sauce?
Adding the honey BBQ sauce during the last stage of grilling allows the glaze to caramelize without burning. Basting and flipping every few minutes ensures even coverage and prevents the sugars from burning, resulting in a perfect sticky-sweet crust.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving of Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs contains about 330 kcal and 29 grams of protein. That means protein makes up about 35% of the total calories in each serving, making this a satisfying, high-protein main dish.
Q. What can I do to prevent a soggy skin or uneven texture?
Patting the chicken thighs dry before oiling and grilling is key for crisp skin. Use medium, even heat and avoid overcrowding the grill. Resting the cooked thighs for several minutes helps maintain their juiciness and gives the glaze a chance to set.
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