This post shows you how to make BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze.
Looking for a delicious summer recipe that’s sweet and smokey?
Try these BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze for the ultimate summer dish!
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
Dry Rub:
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
Honey BBQ Glaze:
¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice



Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in.
Season
Mix together the dry rub spices in a bowl.
Rub evenly onto the chicken thighs, covering both sides.

Cook the Chicken
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
Place chicken thighs skin-side down.
Grill for about 5–6 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and cover.
Cook for another 15–20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 175°F).
Glaze
In the last 5–7 minutes of cooking, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar. Brush generously over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Make sure that you don’t rush the glaze – only add it at the end to avoid burning the glaze.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks stay juicer and have more flavor but you can use boneless if you prefer (reduce the cooking time as needed)
Use a food thermometer to make sure that the meat is cooked and doesn’t dry out from overcooking – 175°F a the thickest part.
🌿 BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze – Make It Your Own – Try:
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick
- Add cayenne pepper or even hot sauce into the glaze mix for a spicy kick.
- 🍋 Citrus Twist
- Swap out the honey for orange marmalade or even add some lime juice to make your glaze a little brighter.
- 🪴Herby Finish
- Garnish with chopped herbs like cilantro, green onions or even parsley to finish.

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dry Rub:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder optional for heat
Honey BBQ Glaze:
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce your favorite variety
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in.
Season
- Mix together the dry rub spices in a bowl. Rub evenly onto the chicken thighs, covering both sides.
Cook the Chicken
Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down. Grill for about 5–6 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and cover. Cook for another 15–20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 175°F).
Glaze
- In the last 5–7 minutes of cooking, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar. Brush generously over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Rest & Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
how to serve your BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze are amazing when they’re served :
Coleslaw
Mac & Cheese
grilled veggies
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
A: Yes, boneless thighs cook a lot faster – usually around 20-25 minutes when cooked in the oven or on the grill but you need to watch the internal temperature.
Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: Whichever type of BBQ sauce that you like, whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy or a little tangy. Homemade or store-bought – both work well with the honey.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fats: 24g
We hope that this will become your next summer fave!
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This post shows you how to BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze.
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