Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken | The Next Recipes

This Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken is sweet, smoky, and full of flavor. Learn how to make this easy homemade BBQ chicken recipe from The Next Recipes—perfect for weeknight dinners or grilling season!

Introduction

If you love juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a rich, sticky glaze, then this Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken will quickly become your new favorite recipe. Imagine tender grilled or oven-baked chicken coated with a luscious sauce that’s sweet from honey, smoky from bourbon, and tangy from classic barbecue flavor. It’s a dish that’s bold, comforting, and completely irresistible.

At The Next Recipes, we love transforming everyday ingredients into dishes that taste gourmet without complicated steps—and this Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken is exactly that. Perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or weekend cookouts, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic version)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

These simple ingredients create a sticky, smoky, and slightly sweet glaze that makes this BBQ chicken recipe unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to help the seasoning stick.

You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even wings for this recipe. The dark meat stays juicy and flavorful, especially when coated in sticky honey bourbon glaze.

Step 2: Make the Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

• BBQ sauce, honey, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.

Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. The bourbon adds depth, the honey gives stickiness, and the BBQ sauce ties it all together.

Remove from heat and set aside about ½ cup of sauce for brushing after cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook this Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken three ways—grilled, baked, or pan-seared.

Option 1: Grill (Best for Smoky Flavor)

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with the sauce as it cooks. Continue turning and glazing until the chicken is caramelized, sticky, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).

Option 2: Oven-Baked

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it. Place the chicken on the tray and brush with sauce. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, and brush with more glaze during the last 10 minutes for that sticky finish.

Option 3: Pan-Seared and Broiled

Sear chicken in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the oven and broil for 5–7 minutes, brushing with glaze until sticky and glossy.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, brush the chicken with the reserved Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce for an extra layer of shine and flavor. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both casual and festive meals. Try serving it with:

• Grilled corn on the cob and coleslaw for a summer BBQ vibe.
• Mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a cozy comfort meal.
• Roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries for a balanced dinner.
• Cornbread, biscuits, or rice pilaf on the side for extra southern flair.

For drinks, pair it with a cold beer, bourbon lemonade, or iced tea to complement the sweet-and-smoky flavors.

Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken

This Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken is sweet, smoky, and irresistibly saucy! Tender chicken is glazed with a rich blend of honey, bourbon, and BBQ sauce — caramelized to perfection for a finger-licking meal. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or game-day feasts, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Chicken
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Honey Bourbon BBQ Glaze
• ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup bourbon or apple juice for non-alcoholic version
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 garlic cloves minced

Equipment

• Skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Brush for glazing

Method

 

1. Prepare the Chicken
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the Chicken
4. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce
6. In the same skillet, combine BBQ sauce, honey, bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, paprika, and garlic. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.
7. Glaze & Cook
8. Return chicken to the pan, coating it with the sauce. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and glazed.
9. Serve
10. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For a deeper bourbon flavor, simmer the sauce 2–3 minutes longer before adding chicken.

Use bone-in chicken for a smoky, grill-style texture.

Substitute bourbon with apple juice or cola for a family-friendly version.

Great served with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or grilled veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sticky, Sweet, and Smoky: Perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
• Easy and Quick: Simple steps with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Versatile: Works great on the grill, in the oven, or stovetop.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to adults—loves this BBQ classic.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.

At The Next Recipes, we know great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be made with love and flavor, like this Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken

Tips for Perfect Sticky BBQ Chicken

1. Don’t rush the glaze: Let it simmer until thick and sticky—it’ll cling better to the chicken.
2. Use real bourbon: It adds deep caramel notes that elevate the BBQ sauce.
3. Brush often: Repeated glazing during cooking builds layers of flavor.
4. Finish with high heat: A quick broil or grill finish caramelizes the sauce beautifully.
5. Rest before serving: Allows juices to redistribute and sauce to set.

Follow these expert tips, and your BBQ chicken recipe will come out restaurant-worthy every time.

FAQ

Conclusion with Call-to-Action

This Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken is everything you want in a meal—juicy, tender chicken smothered in a glossy, finger-licking sauce that’s both sweet and smoky. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer party or baking indoors on a chilly night, this recipe brings big, bold flavor every time.

So grab your apron, pour a little bourbon, and make this delicious BBQ chicken recipe tonight. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your family will beg for seconds.

For more homemade BBQ recipes, quick weeknight meals, and restaurant-style dishes made easy, visit The Next Recipes — your go-to destination for delicious inspiration, one recipe at a time.