There’s something truly magical about the vibrant combination of sweet, citrusy orange and sticky, luscious honey when they come together in a grilled chicken dish. This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe captures that perfect harmony, offering a juicy, flavorful meal that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next cookout, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens any table with its tangy, caramelized glaze and tender, mouthwatering chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are at the heart of this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, from creating the perfect marinade to achieving that irresistible charred finish.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein, both work beautifully.
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth without overpowering the citrus notes.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Brings bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Creates a sticky glaze with a perfect balance of sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds just the right hint of warm spice to complement the citrus and honey.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite sing.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory note without overwhelming the orange zest.
- Zest from half an orange: Intensifies the fresh orange aroma and adds little bursts of tangy flavor.
How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the coconut aminos or soy sauce, orange juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, garlic powder, and freshly grated orange zest in a bowl. This vibrant marinade is the soul of the dish, infusing the chicken with layers of flavor that meld beautifully during the grilling process.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs in a sealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate and let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes; if time allows, marinate for up to 2 hours for maximum taste and tenderness.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Proper grill temperature is crucial as it helps to caramelize the honey, creating those irresistible grill marks and locking in the juices.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill each piece for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to turn them once to get a beautiful sear and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and bursting with that signature orange-honey glaze.
How to Serve Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Grilled Orange Honey Chicken look as stunning as it tastes, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top. Adding a few thin slices of fresh orange or a zest twist brightens the plate and enhances the citrus vibes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think fluffy coconut rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or grilled seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. These options complement the sweet and tart chicken without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens tossed with a citrus vinaigrette, or slice it thinly for a vibrant chicken salad wrap. You could also skewer chunks of the marinated chicken along with bell peppers for a festive grilled kebab presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow delightfully, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the following day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the chicken tightly and consider freezing with a little bit of the leftover marinade or sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave, but cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken with skin on?
Yes, you can use chicken with skin, but keep in mind it may require slightly longer grilling to ensure it cooks through. The skin will get crispy and add a nice texture, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No worries! You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 400°F until cooked through, brushing on extra marinade halfway for that lovely glaze.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a plant-based twist, try swapping the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and follow the same marinade steps. The flavors work beautifully with those alternatives, too.
Is coconut aminos necessary?
Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative, but plain soy sauce works perfectly well in this recipe. Choose based on your dietary preferences.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
While 30 minutes is sufficient to absorb the flavors, marinating for 1 to 2 hours will deepen the taste and improve tenderness. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent the acids from breaking down the meat too much.
Final Thoughts
Try this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe when you want a dish that feels like a little celebration on your plate. The balance of tangy orange, sweet honey, and perfectly grilled chicken makes every bite a delight. Once you make it, I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites for both casual meals and special occasions. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a vibrant mixture of orange juice, honey, coconut aminos, and fragrant spices. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors enhanced by the aromatic zest of fresh orange. Quickly grilled to perfection, this dish is an effortless and flavorful choice for a healthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Marinade
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Zest from half an orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the coconut aminos or soy sauce, orange juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, garlic powder, and orange zest. Whisk the ingredients together until the honey is completely dissolved and the marinade is well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Avoid flipping too often to get nice grill marks and an even cook.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for moist, tender meat. Serve with your favorite sides or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Marinating the chicken longer will intensify the flavors but try not to exceed 4 hours as the acid in the orange juice can alter the texture.
- Chicken thighs offer more fat and flavor, while breasts provide a leaner option.
- If a grill is not available, cook the chicken on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer for safety and best results.
