Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. The chicken is juicy and perfectly grilled, making it a great choice for dinner or a summer cookout. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken at home is a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without going out. The sweet honey and smoky chipotle peppers create a unique taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, grilling chicken gives it a nice char that’s perfect for warm days. This recipe is easy to follow and allows you to customize the spice level based on your preference.
How to Make Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a blender or food processor, combine ¾ cup ketchup, 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup honey, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth. Reserve a portion of this sauce for later use.
- Season the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the heated grill.
- Generously baste the chicken with the sauce.
- After about 2 minutes, turn the chicken over and baste again with the sauce.
- Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is no longer pink in the center.
- Baste the chicken one last time with the reserved sauce before serving.
How to Serve Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken
Serve the Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken hot off the grill. Pair it with sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. You can also slice the chicken and add it to salads or sandwiches for a tasty meal.
How to Store Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken
Store any leftover Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your spice preference. For a milder taste, use fewer peppers.
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before grilling for even more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness accurately.
Variation
If you want to try a different flavor, you can switch out the honey for maple syrup. This will give the chicken a different sweetness that’s equally delicious. You can also substitute the chicken with other proteins like pork or tofu for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What can I serve with Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken?
A: This chicken goes well with rice, beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Enjoy making and eating your Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken! It’s a meal that brings everyone together with its great taste.
Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
For the BBQ sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Adjust the number for spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ketchup, chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Reserve a portion of the sauce for later use.
Grilling
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the heated grill.
- Generously baste the chicken with the sauce.
- After about 2 minutes, turn the chicken over and baste again with the sauce.
- Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is no longer pink in the center.
- Baste the chicken one last time with the reserved sauce before serving.
