Irresistible Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Name: Honey BBQ Baked Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup pure honey; 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Published: June 4, 2025

by mimi

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When you think of comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like Honey BBQ Baked Chicken. Picture tender, juicy chicken slathered in a sticky-sweet barbecue sauce that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. Each bite bursts with flavor, making you want to do a happy dance right in your kitchen. The aroma wafting through your home is enough to make anyone’s stomach growl—not to mention it pairs beautifully with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients
How to Make Honey BBQ Baked Chicken
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
Can I use skinless chicken for the Honey BBQ Baked Chicken?
How can I make this recipe spicy?
Can I grill instead of bake my chicken?
📖 Recipe Card

I remember the first time I made this dish; I had friends over for a casual dinner, and as soon as they walked in, their eyes lit up with anticipation. By the end of the meal, not only were plates empty, but my friends were also begging for the recipe! This Honey BBQ Baked Chicken is perfect for family gatherings, lazy Sundays, or any occasion when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Honey BBQ Baked Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort
The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and smoky that everyone will love
Its golden glaze makes it visually appealing and perfect for serving guests
You can enjoy it as is or use leftovers in sandwiches and salads for added versatility

My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this chicken turned out—it was a definite crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well. Adjust based on your hungry crew.
Honey: Use pure honey for that sweet kick; it’s nature’s candy at its finest.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; this brings the signature flavor we all crave.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth; I always prefer using garlic powder over fresh for convenience.
Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances flavor with subtle smokiness; it’s like a hug from the spice world.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp here if you want flavor!

For the Sauce:

Ketchup: A base for our sauce; choose organic if you can—your taste buds will thank you.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelization on top.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash brings tanginess that balances out all that sweetness perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Honey BBQ Baked Chicken

How to Make Honey BBQ Baked Chicken

Prep Your Oven and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Season those chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

Create Your Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth—this is where the magic starts!

Coat Your Chicken & Bake Away!: Place seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Pour the honey BBQ mixture over them until completely coated—don’t be shy!

Bake Until Perfectly Glazed: Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and there’s an irresistible glaze forming on top.

Let It Rest & Serve Up!: Remove from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute—trust me; this step is crucial!

Enjoy your Honey BBQ Baked Chicken hot from the oven alongside your favorite sides or toss some on a bun for an epic sandwich experience!

You Must Know

Honey BBQ Baked Chicken is not just delicious; it’s a crowd-pleaser that saves time
The sticky-sweet glaze and tender meat create a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize based on your pantry staples

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in honey BBQ sauce for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes until it’s juicy and caramelized.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup or use different BBQ sauces for unique flavors. Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to elevate the taste profile further.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Honey BBQ Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking
Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C)
Let the chicken rest before serving to retain its juices

It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made this dish, and let me tell you, the empty plates spoke louder than words ever could!

FAQ

Can I use skinless chicken for the Honey BBQ Baked Chicken?

Yes, skinless chicken works well but may not be as crispy and flavorful.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your honey BBQ glaze for some heat.

Can I grill instead of bake my chicken?

Absolutely! Grill your chicken over medium heat until cooked through for a smoky flavor.