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.
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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