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
Scale
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.
