Sweet heat meets fresh, crunchy slaw in this summer-ready meal

This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken with Citrus Slaw brings bold flavor and vibrant color to the table—with every bite delivering something nourishing, comforting, and crave-worthy. It’s a meal that balances the richness of smoky, glazed chicken with the refreshing brightness of a crisp slaw, all using simple, clean ingredients.

Why This Meal Works

Protein-Packed: Juicy chicken thighs provide a hearty source of protein and heme iron, both of which are essential for energy and muscle strength—especially critical for anyone recovering or going through treatment. Thighs stay tender when cooked, making them easier to digest and more flavorful than leaner cuts.
Good Fats + Fiber: Avocado oil is a heart-healthy fat that’s gentle on digestion and rich in anti-inflammatory benefits. Paired with cabbage and carrots (fiber superstars!) and crunchy almonds, this dish supports gut health, immunity, and blood sugar balance—all without weighing you down.
Antioxidant Boost: The citrus slaw isn’t just for crunch—it’s loaded with immune-supporting antioxidants. Oranges are bursting with vitamin C, carrots bring beta-carotene for skin and cell repair, and red onions add a zingy boost of quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
Flavor That Sticks: The BBQ glaze is sticky, smoky, and sweet in all the right ways—but with zero refined sugars. We use raw honey for natural sweetness and depth, with a touch of smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar for balance. It caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, making it taste indulgent while still being 100% clean.

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken with Citrus Slaw Salad

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs

1 lb Organic Chicken Thighs
1 tsp Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper
3 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tbsp Hot Honey
2 tbsp BBQ Sauce (I like the brand Primal Kitchen or Wegmans Organic)
Sesame Seeds (for garnish)

For the Citrus Slaw

1 Green Organic Cabbage
2 Organic Carrots
1 Red Onion
1/2 cup Cilantro
1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
1-2 Oranges
2 tbsp Lime Juice
1 tbsp Honey
1 Garlic Clove
1/4 cup Avocado Oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high with a rack directly underneath. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Season chicken thighs all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Broil for 6 minutes, flip, and broil 6 more minutes.
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, hot honey, and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
Remove chicken, brush with the honey-BBQ mixture, and return to broil for 1 minute. Flip, brush the other side, and broil again. Repeat 1–2 more times for that caramelized, sticky coating.
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, red onion, cilantro, almonds, and oranges.
In a separate bowl, whisk lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk in avocado oil until emulsified, then pour over the slaw and toss well.
Slice the glazed chicken thighs and place on top of the slaw. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!