Hot Honey BBQ Chicken with Citrus Slaw Salad

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If your weeknights feel like a three-ring circus—between soccer practice, Zoom meetings, and figuring out dinner—you’re in good company. That’s exactly why this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with Citrus Slaw Salad recipe is about to become your dinnertime hero. Quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor, BBQ chicken with citrus slaw checks all the boxes: easy, crowd-pleasing, and kinda impressive (without even trying too hard).

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving something fresh yet hearty, this dish delivers the perfect balance—sweet, smoky chicken with a citrusy crunch. Let’s just say… it tastes like summer sunshine with a sassy little kick.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken with Citrus Slaw

Let’s start with the obvious: chicken thighs. They’re juicy, flavorful, and nearly impossible to mess up (bless). When coated in a sticky-hot honey BBQ glaze and nestled on top of a zesty citrus slaw? Chef’s kiss.

Here’s why this one’s a keeper:

It’s broiler-friendly, so no grill required (hello, apartment cooks!).
The citrus slaw adds crunch, freshness, and just enough sweetness to balance that smoky heat.
It’s a 30-minute meal that looks like it came off a restaurant menu.

This recipe isn’t just food—it’s an experience. And your taste buds? They’re about to party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the BBQ Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey if spicy’s not your vibe)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Citrus Slaw:

1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 carrots, shaved (channel your inner veggie ribbon artist)
1 red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup sliced almonds
1–2 oranges, peeled, segmented & chopped
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
Big pinch of kosher salt & pepper
¼ cup avocado oil (or olive oil works too)

How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with Citrus Slaw Salad

Step 1: Get That Oven Hot

Set your oven broiler to high. Make sure the rack is positioned directly under it—this is how we get that char-kissed finish without firing up the grill.

Step 2: Season & Sizzle

Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Season them generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Slide under the broiler for 6 minutes.

Flip the chicken and broil for another 6 minutes. (Don’t wander off—things happen fast under the broiler.)

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While your kitchen starts to smell heavenly, whisk together hot honey, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.

Brush this sticky, magical sauce all over the chicken. Broil 1 minute, flip, brush the other side, broil again. Do this 1–2 more times until the top looks caramelized and glorious.

Step 4: Citrus Slaw Magic

While the chicken is working on its tan, combine the cabbage, carrots, onion, almonds, cilantro, and orange segments in a big bowl.

In a smaller bowl, whisk lime juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in avocado oil while whisking to create a light, tangy dressing. Pour it over your slaw and toss until every crunchy bite is coated.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Slice the chicken thighs and lay them on top of the slaw. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. That’s it—you just made a meal worthy of applause.

Kitchen Tips from Aneta

Don’t skip the broiler step: It mimics that flame-kissed char you’d get from the grill.
Use hot honey if you like a little kick—it’s the unexpected hero here. But regular honey works beautifully too.
Make the slaw ahead: It actually gets better as it sits for 20–30 minutes. More time to sip your iced tea (or wine, I don’t judge).

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This recipe was born on one of those “what’s for dinner?” nights where I stared into the fridge like it owed me answers. All I had were some chicken thighs, half a cabbage, and leftover oranges from a kiddo’s lunchbox. A little hot honey and BBQ sauce later—and boom! BBQ chicken with citrus slaw was on the table, and my whole crew was asking for seconds.

Now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation, especially when the days are long and we just want something easy but special.

Hot honey BBQ chicken thighs served over fresh citrus slaw in a white bowl – a colorful BBQ chicken with citrus slaw dish. — Juicy BBQ chicken thighs glazed in hot honey, perfectly paired with a zesty citrus slaw for the ultimate sweet and spicy combo.

FAQs About BBQ Chicken with Citrus Slaw

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep an eye on them under the broiler—they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

Can I make BBQ chicken with citrus slaw ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the slaw a few hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and add the dressing just before serving. Chicken is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

What’s the best substitute for hot honey?

Mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes—DIY spicy magic!

Conclusion

BBQ chicken with citrus slaw is the weeknight meal you didn’t know you needed but won’t want to live without. It’s bold, bright, and beautifully balanced—just like the women who cook it. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself (yes, queen!), this dish brings a little joy to the table.

So grab your sheet pan and let’s bring a little Chicken Magic to dinner tonight.

Keep the Chicken Magic Going: More Flavor-Packed Favorites

If you loved the vibrant blend of sweet, spicy, and citrusy in this BBQ chicken with citrus slaw, wait until you check out some of these crave-worthy recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen. These dishes share a similar flavor profile or vibe—bold, easy, and packed with personality. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or planning a summer cookout, these linked recipes offer fresh ideas to keep your dinner game strong.

Love the smoky-spicy vibe? You’ll definitely want to try this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers. It’s bold, colorful, and cooks up in one skillet for easy cleanup.
If you’re craving another sweet-heat combo, don’t miss the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl—an easy dinner with serious flavor that ties perfectly into the same hot honey theme.
For BBQ lovers looking for a twist, this BBQ Chicken Salad is fresh, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or light dinners.
Want something cozy and hearty after your citrusy chicken adventure? Dive into the creamy richness of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta—comfort food at its best, with a lighter twist.

Each of these recipes complements the tangy-sweet spirit of today’s dish while giving you even more delicious ways to cook with chicken. Because let’s be honest—your dinner menu should never be boring. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most of all, keep cooking with love.