Sticky Honey BBQ Glazed Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken thighs or drumsticks coated in a delicious honey BBQ glaze.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup BBQ sauce
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat.
Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in a baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through if desired.
Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush each piece with the honey BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, brushing with additional glaze during the final 5 minutes.
For a sticky, caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 1–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent the honey and sugar from burning. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush with a little reserved, unused glaze for an extra glossy finish.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry: This helps the seasoning adhere and encourages better browning.
Glaze toward the end: Honey and brown sugar can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
Reserve clean glaze: Set some aside before brushing raw chicken to use for serving.
Check doneness with a thermometer: Chicken should reach at least 165°F internally.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for a sweet-and-spicy kick.