Sweet & Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This this Sweet & Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken

This honey BBQ chicken hits all the right notes with its crispy golden coating that practically melts in your mouth, followed by that perfect sweet-tangy glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers like nobody’s watching.

The genius here is the double-cook method – you get that satisfying crunch from the quick fry, then the oven does its magic to create this glossy, sticky coating that clings to every single bite.

Trust me, once you taste how that honey mingles with the smoky barbecue sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with plain old grilled chicken in the first place.

Ingredients List

You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to create this finger-licking masterpiece that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a backyard barbecue paradise.

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• Salt
• Pepper
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup flour

Let’s be real here – this isn’t exactly health food territory, but you can make some tweaks if you’re watching your waistline:

• Swap the vegetable oil for a lighter option like avocado oil, or use an air fryer instead of pan-frying to cut down on the oil
• Look for a sugar-free barbecue sauce to reduce the overall sugar content, though you’ll still have that honey sweetness
• The flour coating adds carbs, but it’s what gives you that crispy texture we’re all craving
• Chicken breast is actually a lean protein choice, so at least you’ve got that going for you

Step by Step Directions

Time to transform those simple ingredients into crispy, sticky, sweet perfection that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Cut chicken breasts into 1/2 inch strips
• Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
• Toss the seasoned chicken strips in flour until well coated
• Fry the floured chicken strips until they turn light golden brown

While chicken is frying, mix the barbecue sauce and honey together in a bowl.

• Transfer the fried chicken to a baking sheet
• Liberally brush each piece with the honey BBQ sauce mixture
• Bake for 10 minutes
• Remove from oven and brush with more sauce
• Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes
• Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving

For restaurants looking to streamline this process, a commercial deep fryer can provide consistent results and handle larger batches more efficiently than stovetop frying.

Substitutions and Variations

• Crunchier coating – Mix some panko breadcrumbs with the flour for extra texture, because who doesn’t love a good crunch
• Sweeten it up differently – Maple syrup, brown sugar mixed with a little water, or even apple jelly can replace the honey if that’s what you’ve got hanging around
• Spice blend variations – Try garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika in your flour mixture to give it more personality

Additional Things to Serve With This Dish

This sweet and savory chicken practically begs for some equally satisfying sides to round out the meal.

• Classic coleslaw – The cool, crisp crunch cuts through all that sticky-sweet glaze beautifully, plus it’s basically mandatory with anything BBQ-adjacent.
• Fluffy mashed potatoes – Because sometimes you need something creamy and comforting to soak up every last drop of that honey BBQ goodness.
• Roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans get caramelized and delicious in the oven while your chicken bakes.
• Mac and cheese – To be frank, it goes with everything, and the creamy richness pairs surprisingly well with the tangy-sweet chicken.
• Simple green salad – A light mix of greens with a basic vinaigrette helps balance out the richness, though I know salad isn’t always the most exciting option.
• Corn on the cob – Butter-slathered corn feels like the perfect BBQ companion, whether you’re eating indoors or pretending you’re at a backyard cookout.
• Garlic bread – Because bread makes everything better, and you’ll want something to mop up any sauce that ends up on your plate.

Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)

A few small tweaks can turn this already delicious recipe into something that’ll have people asking for your secret.

• Don’t skip the flour step – That light coating isn’t just for show, it helps the sauce stick better and creates a slightly crispy texture that makes each bite more interesting.
• Use a meat thermometer if you have one – Chicken should hit 165°F internally, though I know not everyone keeps one of these gadgets around.
• Let the oil get properly hot before adding chicken – If it’s not sizzling when the chicken hits the pan, you’ll end up with soggy, greasy strips instead of that golden-brown perfection we’re after.
• Brush sauce on liberally, but save some for serving – Trust me, people will want extra sauce for dipping, and you’ll be glad you held some back.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – Give each piece some breathing room so the sauce can caramelize properly instead of just steaming everything.
• Check your honey situation beforehand – Nothing’s more annoying than realizing your honey has crystallized solid when you’re halfway through cooking, though you can always warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Consider doubling the sauce recipe – Because honestly, there’s no such thing as too much honey BBQ sauce, and leftovers keep well in the fridge for future chicken emergencies.

Nutritional Facts

This honey BBQ chicken delivers a solid balance of protein with that sweet and tangy flavor you’re craving, though it’s definitely more of a treat than health food.

• Per serving (1 chicken breast): Approximately 420-450 calories
• Protein: 35-40 grams – excellent source for muscle maintenance and satiety
• Carbohydrates: 28-32 grams, mostly from honey and BBQ sauce
• Fat: 18-22 grams from the frying oil and natural chicken fat
• Sugar: 24-28 grams – honey and BBQ sauce pack a sweet punch
• Sodium: 600-800mg depending on your BBQ sauce brand
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram – this isn’t where you’ll get your daily fiber fix
• Cholesterol: 85-95mg from the chicken
• Key vitamins: Good source of niacin (B3), vitamin B6, and phosphorus
• The reality check: About 20-25% of daily calories for most adults in one serving
• Pro tip: Pair with a big salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the indulgence

Fun “Did You Know?”

While honey might seem like a modern BBQ sauce addition, ancient civilizations were already combining sweet and savory flavors over 4,000 years ago.

I find it fascinating that honey’s natural enzymes help tenderize chicken while creating that irresistible caramelized crust.

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: coating chicken in flour before frying isn’t just for crunch—it creates tiny pockets that trap more sauce.

The double-baking method I’ve shared mimics how competition pitmasters layer flavors.

Honey BBQ chicken actually tastes better the next day because those sweet and smoky flavors continue developing, making leftovers surprisingly superior to fresh.