Site icon Basil & Salt Living & Lifestyle

Honey Barbeque Chicken Thighs

k engels

A Summer Cookout Favorite

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs are a cookout classic, perfect for summertime potlucks and family gatherings. These juicy, flavorful chicken thighs, marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey and BBQ sauce, grill up to perfection. The smoky, caramelized glaze makes them a hit at any outdoor event, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or joining a friend’s picnic, these chicken thighs are sure to be the star of the spread. Tips, Tricks and Variations are below recipe.

Our Top 3 Beer Pairings

  1. American Pale Ale:
    • The crisp and slightly hoppy flavor of an American Pale Ale complements the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the BBQ sauce. Its light and refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for a summer cookout.
  2. Amber Lager:
    • An Amber Lager, with its malty sweetness and smooth finish, pairs wonderfully with the caramelized glaze of the chicken. The beer’s mild bitterness balances the richness of the BBQ sauce.
  3. Hefeweizen:
    • This wheat beer’s fruity and spicy notes, often with hints of banana and clove, add a unique flavor dimension to the chicken thighs. Its light body and refreshing quality make it a perfect match for outdoor gatherings on warm days.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Pour half of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken thighs, seal the bag, and turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting.
  2. Preheat the Grill:
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Grill the Chicken:
    • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 7-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    • During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade.
  4. Serve:
    • Remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

  1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor:
    • For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
  2. Prevent Sticking:
    • To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. You can also brush the chicken thighs with a bit of oil before placing them on the grill.
  3. Use a Meat Thermometer:
    • Ensure perfectly cooked chicken by using a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Baste Frequently:
    • Baste the chicken thighs with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling to add extra layers of flavor and moisture.

Variations

  1. Spicy Honey BBQ:
    • Add a kick to your marinade by including a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
  2. Garlic-Lemon BBQ:
    • For a zesty twist, add the juice and zest of one lemon and a few extra cloves of minced garlic to the marinade.
  3. Herb-Infused BBQ:
    • Mix in some fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro for an herby flavor profile.
Exit mobile version