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Easy Juicy Foolproof BBQ Chicken Recipe with 2-Ingredient Marinade

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A simple and reliable BBQ chicken recipe using a quick 2-ingredient marinade of honey and soy sauce that delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken pieces (bone-in thighs or drumsticks recommended, boneless breasts optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey (mild, runny honey like clover or wildflower recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • Optional: pinch of black pepper or garlic powder
  • For gluten-free option: tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
  • Optional sweet swap: maple syrup instead of honey

Instructions

  1. Mix the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey and 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce until combined (about 1-2 minutes).
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat dry 2 pounds (900 g) of chicken pieces with paper towels for better caramelization.
  3. Marinate: Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade and coat every piece well. Let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge (30 minutes is ideal).
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are ashy white.
  5. Grill the chicken skin-side down first for 6-8 minutes per side, turning once halfway through. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken if it starts to burn.
  6. Check doneness: Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. If no thermometer, cut into thickest part; juices should run clear.
  7. Rest: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better caramelization. Moderate grill heat to prevent honey from burning. Flip chicken only once for best crust. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If marinade burns quickly, brush it on during last few minutes of grilling. Oven baking option: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, easy chicken recipe, honey soy marinade, grilled chicken, quick BBQ, juicy chicken, foolproof chicken