Juicy, sweet, and smoky all at once, this Honey BBQ Chicken Breast is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes you look like you had a plan. My version balances tangy and sweet for a finger-licking sauce that clings to tender chicken breast. Whether you pile it on a bun for a honey BBQ chicken sandwich, slice it over a salad, or keep it classic with your favorite side dishes, this BBQ and honey chicken is one you’ll crave on repeat.
The struggle is real: chicken breast can go from “yes, please” to “why is this so dry?” faster than you can set the table. I’ve been there too, staring down a skillet of tough meat and wishing dinner had gone another direction.
There is nothing worse that having a dinner you just made be met with “Really, mom? Chicken...again?!”
That’s exactly why I created my honey BBQ chicken breast recipe. It’s saucy, tender, and anything but boring. I wanted a honey glazed BBQ chicken that worked both for family dinners and easy meal prep—and when I tested this version, it hit every note.
Serve it with Old Fashioned Coleslaw and be prepared for happy smiles at your dinner table.
If you’re looking for more dinners that won’t let you down, try my Garlic Steak, Blackstone Chicken Breast, or these reader-favorite Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ketchup – Ketchup is a classic base for BBQ sauce, but you could use tomato sauce. Just keep in mind, it would impact the flavor pretty significantly.
- Honey – Maple syrup or brown sugar are also good options.
- Apple cider vinegar – White vinegar or rice vinegar can be used in a pinch, but I really like the tang from apple cider vinegar.
- Soy sauce –Tamari or coconut aminos work if you’re gluten-free.
- Mustard powder – If you don't have mustard powder, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard will work.
- Worcestershire sauce – Look for vegan Worcestershire if avoiding anchovies.
- Cayenne pepper – Swap with chipotle powder for smoky heat, or omit if serving kids.
- BBQ seasoning – You can buy BBQ seasoning or use my homemade BBQ Seasoning blend.
- Avocado oil –This is my go-to, but you can use your favorite cooking oil.
- Chicken breast – Pound to even thickness; boneless thighs or tenderloins also work for honey bbq chicken.
Tips & Tricks for Honey BBQ Chicken
- Ensure the Right Cook - It is tempting to skip the pounding, but think of it as a chance to get some stress out! If you don't start with thin chicken, you risk it not being cooked all the way through.
- Don't Skip Food Safety - Though pounding is important, let’s not make everyone sick, k? You should use a meat mallet or rolling pin, and either place the chicken in a zip-top bag or cover it with plastic wrap. If you are using a wooden rolling pin, be extra diligent about cleaning it afterwards.
- Don't Burn the Sauce – Honey and ketchup can scorch quickly. Keep the heat at medium-low once the sauce goes into the pan. Stir often, and don’t walk away. This ensures a glossy honey glazed bbq chicken instead of a bitter one.
- Meal prep struggles – Honey bbq chicken breast holds well, but reheating can dry it out. Warm gently in a covered skillet with a spoonful of sauce or reheat in the oven. You could also use it cold in a honey bbq chicken sandwich or salad.
Step by Step
Honey BBQ Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Barbecue Sauce
- ¾ cups ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken
- 2 ½ pounds chicken breast pounded thin
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
- If your chicken didn’t come thin, pound it to about ½-inch thickness under plastic wrap using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium, and then reduce to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes.
- While the sauce is cooking, season both sides of the chicken with BBQ seasoning and salt.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4 minutes per side, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Add ¾ cup of the BBQ sauce to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 4 minutes.
- Serve with additional BBQ sauce.
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