Easy Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Thighs + Gold Rush Cocktail- Barbecue Elementary

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Agave syrup is lower in calories and has a similar sweetness.

hot sauce

🥗Healthier: sriracha

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Sriracha provides a similar heat with fewer additives.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: coconut aminos

Coconut aminos are gluten-free and lower in sodium.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is often less expensive and neutral in flavor.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

Season the chicken thighs with an all-purpose rub on the meat side first.

Add a second layer of paprika for color.

Place the seasoned thighs in the fridge to dry and soak up the seasoning.

Prepare the Traeger smoker by cleaning the grates and preheating it to 275°F.

Form the chicken thighs into oval shapes for even cooking and place them on the grill.

Mix together the glaze with honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and Frank's Red Hot.

Prepare the honey syrup by mixing equal parts honey and water.

Juice fresh lemons and set aside some lemon peels for garnish.

In a shaker, combine honey syrup, lemon juice, and bourbon, then shake with ice for about 15 seconds.

Double strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass with ice and garnish with lemon peel.

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, brush on the glaze thoroughly.

Add more red pepper flakes on top of the glazed chicken.

Cook the chicken for a total of about 2 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F and remove from the grill.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens