Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken brings together tangy citrus and sweet honey flavors for a deliciously vibrant meal. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are marinated and grilled to perfection, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Zest from half an orange
Instructions
- Step 1: If using thick chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thin cutlets for even cooking and better browning.
- Step 2: Combine chicken and all marinade ingredients in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Seal tightly, squeeze out excess air, and lay flat so marinade coats the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably several hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner protein.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or warm in a skillet to avoid drying out the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even marinating and cooking.
What can I serve with grilled orange honey chicken?
This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
PrintGrilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of orange juice, honey, coconut aminos, and aromatic spices. Perfectly grilled to achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior, this dish balances sweet and tangy notes with a hint of ginger, making it an easy and delicious meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Marinade
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Zest from half an orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If using thick chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thin cutlets. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and promotes better browning on all sides.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken and all marinade ingredients into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Squeeze out the excess air and seal tightly. Lay the bag flat to spread the marinade evenly around the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally several hours to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking when cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and place them on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill the other side for another 5-7 minutes. Continue until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time depends on thickness.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate overnight.
- If using chicken thighs, adjust grill time as they may cook faster than breasts.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Oil the grill grates well to avoid sticking and tearing of the chicken.
- The recipe can be adapted by substituting coconut aminos with soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option.
Keywords: Grilled chicken, orange honey chicken, healthy grilled chicken, honey marinade, orange juice chicken, summer grilling recipes
