One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken is a simple yet bold recipe where chicken thighs or breasts are glazed with a savory, sweet BBQ sauce that’s balanced with a hint of honey and other spices. The one-pan cooking method makes cleanup easy and ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for added tang)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for extra zing)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow the chicken to cook perfectly, with crispy skin and juicy meat.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up in the oven.
- Rub both sides of the chicken thighs with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed over the chicken. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
3. Make the Bold Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir well until everything is fully combined.
4. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken over and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. (This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a quicker version.)
5. Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
- Pour the bold honey BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken:
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Flavorful & Bold: The combination of BBQ sauce, honey, and spices gives the chicken a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
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One-Pan Convenience: The one-pan method means minimal cleanup—everything cooks together in one skillet, which is a huge time-saver.
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Juicy & Tender Chicken: The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, thanks to the seasoning and BBQ sauce. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, though thighs work best for moisture.
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Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, weekend meal prep, or a casual family dinner, this dish is quick and easy, but still packed with flavor.
Tips for the Best One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken:
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Use Bone-In Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken provides more flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. If you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, as they cook faster.
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Adjust the Sauce: If you like your BBQ chicken spicier, you can add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture. For a sweeter version, add more honey.
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Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken before baking helps develop a crispy, golden skin and deepens the flavor. It’s a great step, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and bake the chicken straight away.
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Make It a Complete Meal: Serve this Honey BBQ Chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook faster and may not stay as juicy. If you’re using breasts, reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the honey BBQ sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This will save you time when cooking.
Q: Can I use this sauce on other meats?
- Definitely! This honey BBQ sauce works well with pork chops, chicken wings, ribs, or even grilled vegetables. It’s versatile and delicious!