Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful chicken dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a cozy dinner, then you’ve got to try this Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tangy lemon, sweet honey, aromatic spices, and smoky barbecue sauce that comes together to create an irresistible balance of flavors. The chicken thighs cook up with a perfect char, keeping the meat tender and bursting with juicy goodness. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of summertime grilling done right!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe plays an essential role, from adding brightness and moisture to giving the dish its smoky and spicy character. The careful combination of fresh and dried spices enriches every bite, while the barbecue sauce ties everything together with a silky, tangy finish.

• 4 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs: These provide rich flavor and stay juicy during grilling thanks to the bone and skin.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty tang that brightens the dish.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps the meat moist.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Offers a subtle sharpness and depth to the spice mix.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a familiar garlicky warmth without overpowering the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky undertone and beautiful color to the skin.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a mild onion flavor.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Gives an earthy, herbal hint that elevates savory notes.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean touch to the seasoning blend.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a peppery bite to round out the spices.
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce: The luscious coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, bringing sweetness and tang.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which helps the marinade stick and promotes better browning on the grill. Place the chicken in a large baking dish to get ready for the marinade.

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the chicken thighs, making sure to cover both sides. Give it a gentle rub to spread the lemon juice evenly. Letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes allows the citrus to start tenderizing and infusing brightness right away.

Step 3: Coat with Olive Oil

Drizzle the olive oil on top of the chicken and rub it in thoroughly. This glossy coat helps seal in moisture, ensures the spices stick well, and helps develop that irresistible crispy skin when grilled.

Step 4: Mix the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine all your spices — kosher salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Stir the mix until well blended, creating a flavorful blend that will be the backbone of this dish.

Step 5: Marinate the Chicken

Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, then rub it in well to coat every inch. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. This resting time lets the spices permeate the meat for maximum flavor impact.

Step 6: Prepare Your Grill

Heat one side of your grill to high heat, aiming for 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, while leaving the other side off. This two-zone cooking facilitates perfect searing and gentle finishing — essential for well-cooked chicken thighs without burning.

Step 7: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs skin side up — bone side down — on the hot side of the grill with the lid closed. Grill for 4 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden skin. Flip the thighs and grill another 4 minutes on the other side to develop more char and lock in juices.

Step 8: Finish Cooking Over Indirect Heat

Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, still bone side down, and close the lid. Let the chicken cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit as checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 9: Glaze with Barbecue Sauce

Generously brush the barbecue sauce on the thighs. Flip the chicken to coat the other side, repeating the flipping and brushing until all the sauce is beautifully sticky and caramelized across the thighs.

Step 10: Final Grill for Doneness

Return the chicken to the hot side of the grill and let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring safety and perfect tenderness. This last step crisps the sauce for a mouthwatering finish.

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a bright, fragrant touch that complements the smoky, sweet flavors. Thin lemon slices or a wedge can be served alongside for those who want an extra citrus punch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic summer sides like grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, and buttery potato salad. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve the grilled lemon honey chicken thighs on a wooden platter garnished with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce. Alternatively, shred the cooked chicken for tacos or wraps, adding slices of avocado and crunchy slaw for texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled chicken thighs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will stay tasty for up to 3 days. Keeping the BBQ sauce separate helps maintain the chicken’s texture when reheating.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the grilled chicken, wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispy skin — avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture. Adding a brush of barbecue sauce before reheating can refresh the flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work well and cook a bit faster. Be careful to monitor the cooking time to avoid drying them out since they lack the bone.

What type of barbecue sauce is best?

Choose a barbecue sauce you love, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. A balanced sauce with a touch of sweetness complements the lemon and honey flavors perfectly.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors even more, just be sure not to exceed 24 hours as the acid in lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much.

Is it necessary to use both direct and indirect heat on the grill?

Using two-zone cooking is key for this recipe. The direct heat sears the chicken and creates crispy skin, while the indirect side ensures the thighs cook through gently without burning.

Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Definitely! Use a grill pan or broiler in your oven to replicate the char and caramelization. Just keep an eye on the heat to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—bright, smoky, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to make it and savor every delicious bite just like I do!

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