Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Boneless Chicken Thighs are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, combining the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with a smoky kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family barbecue, or just looking for a dish to satisfy your cravings, these recipes deliver big on flavor and even bigger on smiles. With a sticky glaze and tender, juicy meat, these wings and thighs will have folks licking their fingers and asking for seconds.
Why You Should Make Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Boneless Chicken Thighs
Wings and thighs are always a good idea, but Honey Chipotle BBQ? Now that’s a game-changer! Here’s why:
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet honey blends beautifully with smoky chipotle peppers, while a tangy barbecue base ties everything together.
- Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to dinner parties.
- Easy to Make: These recipes are straightforward and can be baked to perfection in your oven—no fancy equipment required.
- Crowd Favorite: Who doesn’t love wings and thighs? They’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
You’re not just making a dish; you’re creating a memorable experience that everyone will be talking about long after the plates are cleared.
Ingredients for Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Boneless Chicken Thighs
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these dishes:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Branch & Vines Bacon Sea Salt (for seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon regular salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Boneless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce
- Combine ketchup, chipotle peppers, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cumin in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and set aside. This sauce is liquid gold and will be the star of the show.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pat the chicken wings and thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy skin.
- Season the chicken generously with Branch & Vines Bacon Sea Salt, regular salt, and black pepper. Don’t skip this step—it’s where the magic starts.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of oil and sear the thighs in batches for about 2–3 minutes on one side. This step locks in the flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t large enough.
- Generously baste the wings and thighs with the Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, baste the chicken again with sauce, and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is beautifully caramelized.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce for dipping or drizzling over the chicken after baking.
- Adjust the Heat: Add an extra chipotle pepper if you like it spicier, or tone it down by using just one.
- Crispy Skin: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps up nicely.
- Use a Wire Rack: For even baking, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Searing adds depth of flavor and gives the chicken a great texture.
15 Delicious Variations
- Buffalo Honey Chipotle: Add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Chipotle: Mix in grated Parmesan and minced garlic.
- Teriyaki Chipotle: Blend in a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce.
- Lime Honey Chipotle: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving.
- Pineapple Chipotle: Add pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Maple Chipotle: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Hickory-Smoked Chipotle: Use hickory-smoked salt instead of regular salt.
- Asian-Inspired Chipotle: Add soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Chipotle Dry Rub: Skip the sauce and coat the chicken in a chipotle-based dry rub.
- Sweet Chili Chipotle: Mix in sweet chili sauce for a tangy kick.
- BBQ Chipotle Ranch: Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
- Honey Mustard Chipotle: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
- Spicy Peach Chipotle: Blend in peach preserves for a fruity heat.
- Chipotle BBQ Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a taco filling.
- Smoky Chipotle Drumsticks: Use the same recipe with chicken drumsticks.
What to Serve with Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Thighs
- Classic coleslaw
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Cornbread muffins
- Baked mac and cheese
- Sweet potato fries
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Loaded potato skins
- Garden salad with ranch dressing
- Jalapeño poppers
- Cheddar biscuits
- Pickled vegetables
- Cajun rice
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Beer-battered onion rings
- Avocado and tomato salad
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
For a gathering of 6–8 people, 2 pounds each of wings and thighs should suffice as an appetizer. If serving as the main course, consider 3–4 pounds of each. Plan for about 5–7 pieces per person.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Thighs?
You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be seared and basted up to 1 day ahead, then baked just before serving for maximum freshness.
Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings and Boneless Chicken Thighs: Sweet, Spicy, and Finger-Licking Good!
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, chipotle peppers, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cumin in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and set aside. This sauce is liquid gold and will be the star of the show.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat the chicken wings and thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy skin. Season the chicken generously with Branch & Vines Bacon Sea Salt, regular salt, and black pepper. Don’t skip this step—it’s where the magic starts.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Add a drizzle of oil and sear the thighs in batches for about 2–3 minutes on one side. This step locks in the flavor. - Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t large enough.
Generously baste the wings and thighs with the Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. - Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil, baste the chicken again with sauce, and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is beautifully caramelized. - Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
