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Crispy Chipotle Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

crispy chipotle honey bbq chicken thighs - featured image
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These Crispy Chipotle Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors with irresistibly crispy skin and a sticky glaze, ideal for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup honey (85 g)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (120 ml), tangy and not-too-sweet
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture for crispy skin.
  3. Rub each thigh with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and garlic powder, including under the skin.
  4. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a small splash of oil if needed.
  5. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crisp.
  6. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes to get some color.
  7. While searing, mix honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice in a bowl to make the glaze.
  8. If the skillet is oven-safe, pour the glaze over the chicken directly in the pan; otherwise, transfer the thighs to a baking dish and brush with glaze.
  9. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, basting once or twice with the glaze. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze will thicken and stick.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin; do not overcrowd pan; season under skin for deeper flavor; baste with glaze toward the end to avoid burning sugars; rest chicken after cooking to lock in juices; reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, chipotle, honey, BBQ, crispy skin, easy dinner, weeknight meal, smoky, sweet, spicy

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/crispy-chipotle-honey-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/