Looking for a finger-licking good chicken recipe? This Honey BBQ Chicken is juicy, sweet, sticky, and full of flavor. Best part? It’s super simple to make in the oven—no grill needed! Whether you’re planning a family dinner or weekend get-together, this recipe will be a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy baked honey BBQ chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 4 to 6 pieces of bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Coat each chicken piece evenly with this seasoning mix.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on the baking tray.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through so it cooks evenly and gets a crispy skin.
Step 4: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
While the chicken bakes, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, and hot sauce in a bowl.
Stir well until smooth.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake Again
After 40 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Brush a thick layer of the honey BBQ sauce over each piece.
Put it back in the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
Tips for Best Results
- Use skin-on chicken for a crispier texture.
- Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Make extra sauce for dipping—it’s that good!
- You can also use boneless chicken—just reduce baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy—just season, bake, and glaze!
- No grill needed—oven does the job perfectly.
- Perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and a little spicy.
- Great for dinner, parties, or meal prep.
What to Serve with Honey BBQ Chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Rice or dinner rolls
- Steamed veggies
How to Store Leftovers
Let the chicken cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave until hot.
Final Thoughts
This oven-baked honey BBQ chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. It’s easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for everyone. If you’re craving that BBQ flavor without firing up the grill, this recipe has your back.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just reduce the cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
Q2: What BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
Use any BBQ sauce you like! A smoky or hickory-flavored one works great with honey.
Q3: Can I cook this on a grill instead of baking?
Absolutely. Just grill the chicken first, then glaze it with honey BBQ sauce and cook a few more minutes.
Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild by default. If you like heat, just add more hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
