Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, sticky-sweet chicken thigh that's crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside. This Honey BBQ Baked Chicken is about to become your new obsession – a simple yet irresistible dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better sauce adherence.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and gently rub to coat each piece evenly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together honey and BBQ sauce until well combined and smooth.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Brush half of the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken for extra flavor and caramelization.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin and better sauce absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- For extra caramelization, use a high-quality BBQ sauce with some natural sugars.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- For a beautiful presentation, brush on an extra layer of sauce just before serving to give the chicken a glossy, appetizing finish.
- Feel free to adjust the honey-to-BBQ sauce ratio to suit your personal taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
