If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s bursting with bright citrus notes paired with sweet honey and a hint of ginger that creates a symphony of flavors with every bite. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare but delivers a gourmet experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, the marinade works its magic to keep the meat tender, juicy, and infused with that irresistible orange-honey glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients will set you up for success. Each component plays a special role — from the coconut aminos adding depth and umami, to the fresh orange zest brightening the whole dish with vibrant fragrance.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (2 pounds): Choose boneless and skinless for quick, even grilling and maximum marinade absorption.
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings a salty, savory base that balances sweetness beautifully, plus a subtle complexity.
- Orange juice (¼ cup): Provides fresh citrus acidity and moisture that tenderizes the chicken gently.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when grilled, creating a sticky, delicious crust.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle, warming spice that complements both the orange and honey flavors.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and helps the chicken stay juicy.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Lends a savory note that rounds out the marinade perfectly.
- Orange zest from half an orange: Intensifies the bright citrus aroma and flavor for that punchy orange essence.
How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the coconut aminos (or soy sauce), fresh orange juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, garlic powder, and orange zest in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture looks glossy and inviting. This marinade is the heart of the dish, blending sweet, salty, and zesty elements to transform the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to let the flavors soak deep into the meat.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
While your chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give the chicken those beautiful grill marks and a lovely caramelized crust without burning the honey glaze.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off (but don’t wipe it dry — that glaze is pure flavor!). Place the pieces on the hot grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has a sweet, smokey char.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, resulting in succulent bites every time. Now, your Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley on top to add a burst of green freshness and color contrast. A few thin slices of fresh orange or a sprinkle of extra orange zest can beautifully echo the citrus notes and impress your guests visually.
Side Dishes
This sweet and tangy chicken pairs wonderfully with light, vibrant sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for a well-rounded and colorful meal. Even a simple quinoa salad with fresh herbs and lemon dressing complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive occasion, slice the grilled chicken and serve it on a platter with drizzled extra honey and orange glaze. Layer the slices over a bed of baby greens or crunchy cabbage slaw for a fresh, textured bite. You can even skewer the marinated chicken pieces and grill them for a fun, shareable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken as well. Place pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen grilled chicken will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out the chicken, warm gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped loosely in foil, or microwave with a splash of water or extra orange juice to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking, so it stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and have more flavor, while breasts offer a leaner option. Adjust cooking time slightly if thighs are thicker.
What if I don’t have coconut aminos?
You can substitute coconut aminos with regular soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free alternative. Both lend a similar salty depth that the recipe needs.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. If you have more time, up to 4 hours is even better. Avoid marinating longer than 6 hours as the acid in orange juice can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven. Broiling at high heat can also create that lovely caramelized finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, when using coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce, this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that come together with such ease and elegance. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it never fails to impress with its vibrancy and juicy tenderness. Go ahead, fire up the grill and enjoy a dish that feels like a celebration every time you eat it!
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: Halal
Description
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a zesty mixture of orange juice, honey, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection for a juicy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
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, whisk together the coconut aminos or soy sauce, orange juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, garlic powder, and orange zest until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are 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: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has nice grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken moist and flavorful. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid overpowering the meat.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or under a broiler.
- Using coconut aminos makes this recipe soy-free and gives a slightly sweeter flavor than soy sauce.
- Feel free to garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
