Updated: July 10, 2026
Honey BBQ chicken is one of those recipes that always disappears first at our family cookouts. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, a sweet and savory dry rub, and a generous coating of homemade Honey BBQ Sauce creates juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or game day gatherings. So if you’re looking to grill this recipe outside or bake it in the oven, this easy recipe delivers tender chicken with a sticky, caramelized glaze everyone loves.
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Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken
If you’re looking for a foolproof BBQ chicken recipe, this one checks every box!
- Juicy, flavorful chicken every time
- Sweet, smoky homemade Honey BBQ Sauce
- Perfect for grilling or baking
- This is a great recipe for chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts
- This recipe is family-friendly and perfect for cookouts
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below you will find a list of ingredients. Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below
Chicken Ingredients:
- Chicken – I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs because they stay incredibly juicy on the grill, but drumsticks, wings, or chicken breasts also work beautifully.
- Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick evenly while encouraging beautiful browning.
- Adobo Seasoning – Adds savory garlic, herbs, and salt for a flavorful foundation. Adobo contains onion powder, garlic powder, and more seasonings all-in-one.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Gives the chicken subtle sweetness while helping create a delicious caramelized crust.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning – Adds bold peppery flavor with hints of garlic and herbs that pair perfectly with BBQ sauce.
- Dry Sage – Adds a subtle earthy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Liquid Smoke – Just a few dashes provide authentic slow-smoked barbecue flavor, even if you’re cooking on a gas grill or in the oven.
Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce:
This recipe uses my rich, smoky Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce, which combines: ketchup, honey, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and warm spices for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken on the Grill
Below you will find step-by-step instructions with photos. Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below:
STEP 1: Season the Chicken – Clean and pat the chicken dry with paper towels and brush lightly with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the Adobo seasoning, brown sugar, Montreal Steak Seasoning, dry sage, and liquid smoke. Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although 1 hour or overnight will develop even more flavor.
STEP 2: Grill – Preheat your grill to 350°F (177°C) over medium heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F (71°C).
STEP 3: Add the BBQ Sauce – Brush the chicken generously with Honey BBQ Sauce during the last 3-5 minutes of grilling. Turn and brush several times to create layers of sticky, caramelized sauce without burning the sugars. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches: 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts | 175–185°F (79–85°C) for thighs and drumsticks
STEP 4: Rest and Serve – Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Brush with additional Honey BBQ Sauce if desired. Enjoy!
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken in the Oven
STEP 1: Preheat the Oven & Season – Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Clean and pat the chicken dry. Season the chicken as directed above. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish.
STEP 2: Bake in the Oven – Bake chicken in the oven uncovered. For chicken thighs or drumsticks: 30-35 minutes | Chicken breasts: 25-30 minutes.
STEP 3: Coat & Continue Baking – After 30 minutes, brush the chicken generously with Honey BBQ Sauce. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the proper internal temperature is reached.
STEP 4: Caramelize – For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Honey Barbecue Chicken
- The secret to the best Honey BBQ Chicken is making a quick and easy homemade bbq sauce.
- Wait until the end of cooking to add the sauce so the sugars don’t burn.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Dark meat such as bone-in thighs stay juicier than boneless chicken. If you decide to use skinless chicken breast, I recommend making a chicken brine for juicy chicken each and every time.
- Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.
- Apply multiple thin layers of BBQ sauce instead of one thick coat for the best sticky glaze and a pretty golden brown color.
Variations
- Use chicken wings for an easy game day appetizer.
- Swap thighs for boneless skinless chicken thighs, honey bbq chicken bites, honey bbq chicken tenders and more.
- Use drumsticks for a budget-friendly cookout meal.
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy homemade bbq sauce.
- Finish with fresh parsley for color.
- Try the recipe in the air fryer for smaller batches.
- You can pull and shred any leftover chicken and make an amazing bbq chicken pizza.
What to Serve with Honey BBQ Chicken
This chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Southern Baked Beans
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Cucumber Dill Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Peach Burrata Salad
Storage
If you have any leftovers, you can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat the next day, simply reheat gently in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even better flavor.
When should I add BBQ sauce?
Always during the last few minutes of cooking. Barbecue sauce contains sugar that can burn if applied too early.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, but homemade Honey BBQ Sauce gives the best flavor and consistency.
Can I freeze cooked Honey BBQ Chicken?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Recipe Card
Honey BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken, (you can use your preferred cuts, I recommend thighs)
- 2 tbsp Light Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Adobo Seasoning
- 4 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ½ tsp Dry Sage
- Few Dashes Liquid Smoke
Instructions
For the Grill:
- Clean and pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl or a flat surface.
- Drizzle chicken with the light olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the Adobo seasoning, dark brown sugar, Kingsford Steak Seasoning, dry sage, and liquid smoke. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the chicken until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the grill to 350°F (177°C). Grill the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Brush the chicken generously with the Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, turning and brushing with additional sauce as desired. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts or 175-185°F (79-85°C) for thighs and drumsticks. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brush with additional Honey BBQ Sauce, if desired, and enjoy!
For the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Clean and pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl or a flat surface.
- Drizzle chicken with the light olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the Adobo seasoning, dark brown sugar, Kingsford Steak Seasoning, dry sage, and liquid smoke. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the chicken until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet or baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes for thighs and drumsticks (or 25-30 minutes for breasts).
- Brush the chicken generously with the Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the proper internal temperature is reached. For a caramelized finish, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brush with additional Honey BBQ Sauce, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken thighs are the juiciest option, but drumsticks, wings, or breasts all work well.
- Wait until the last few minutes of cooking to brush on the BBQ sauce.
- Use a digital thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce gives the best flavor, but your favorite bottled BBQ sauce can also be used.
- Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and BBQ chicken pizza.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you enjoyed this Honey BBQ Chicken recipe, let me know in the comments below. If you end up making this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram at @elicitfolio and follow along on Pinterest for more chicken recipe inspiration.
This is really good. I love having both methods here. I’ll be grilling it all summer and baking it all winter.