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Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
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.