Smoky, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying, these Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze are the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are coated in a bold, flavorful rub, grilled to perfection, and then brushed with a sweet and sticky honey glaze that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Get ready to experience the perfect marriage of savory, smoky, and sweet in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
These Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze are a total flavor explosion that’s sure to delight your senses. The smoky, spicy rub infuses the chicken with an irresistible depth of flavor, while the honey glaze adds a delectable sweetness that balances out the heat. Plus, the easy, hands-off cooking method means you can enjoy all the mouthwatering goodness without slaving away in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a cozy, comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a showstopper.
Ingredients
In this Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze recipe, we’ll be using a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a truly epic dish. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, a blend of spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder for the rub, and a honey-based glaze that adds a sticky-sweet finish.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends, like adding a pinch of cumin or swapping the chili powder for cayenne for a spicier kick.
How to Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this easy, flavor-packed recipe!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and generously seasoning them with the smoky, spicy rub. This will help the flavors really penetrate the meat. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, which will help it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken thighs generously with the honey glaze, letting it caramelize and create a sticky, irresistible coating. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: For an even smokier flavor, try adding a few wood chips to your grill or using a smoker instead of a traditional grill.
- Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glaze flavors, like using a spicy honey or adding a touch of citrus.
- Oven Baking: If you’re not in the mood for grilling, you can easily bake the chicken thighs in the oven instead. Preheat to 400°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing on the glaze during the last 5-10 minutes.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze pair beautifully with grilled veggies, creamy coleslaw, or fluffy cornbread.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken rub in advance and store it in an airtight container, then simply season and grill the chicken when ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze are packed with protein, thanks to the juicy chicken thighs. They’re also relatively low in carbs, making them a great option for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, the combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors is sure to satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the chicken thighs extra crispy?
To achieve extra-crispy skin, be sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning, and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This will help the skin render down and get deliciously golden-brown.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be a bit shorter, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature closely.
How can I make the glaze less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, try reducing the amount of honey and adding in a touch of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard to balance out the flavors.
Can I bake these chicken thighs in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, you can definitely bake these Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the seasoned chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Brush on the glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
How long will the leftover chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, the leftover Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best quality and texture, it’s best to reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop, rather than the microwave.
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Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a smoky BBQ sauce and finished with a sweet honey glaze. Perfect for grilling!
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken thighs with the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
5. In a small saucepan, heat honey until just warm, then drizzle over grilled chicken.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra smokiness, you can add wood chips to the grill.
Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: BBQ, Chicken, Grilling, Honey Glaze