Description
Juicy, charred, and caramelized chicken thighs with a sticky honey glaze that cooks in under 15 minutes of active time. No marinating required, making it the perfect last-minute summer dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks and promotes browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to create the dry rub.
- Drizzle vegetable oil over the chicken thighs and sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides. Massage the spices into the meat.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and warm, then remove from heat.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (approx. 400°F / 200°C).
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving to create grill marks.
- Flip chicken, cook for 4-5 minutes, then brush generously with honey glaze.
- Flip again, brush the other side with glaze, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining glaze.
Notes
Honey burns easily, so apply the glaze only in the last few minutes of cooking. Keep grill heat at medium-high, not high, to prevent charring. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts and stay juicier. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 thighs per serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken, BBQ chicken, honey glaze, Labor Day dinner, quick chicken recipe, summer grilling, sticky chicken thighs