If you’re looking for an easy dinner that feels like a special treat, the Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is your answer. This dish brings together juicy chicken with a sunny citrus marinade that’s both sweet and savory, thanks to fresh orange juice, a generous drizzle of honey, and a splash of soy sauce. The result is a golden, beautifully glazed main course that’s perfect for summer grilling or anytime you want to brighten up your table. Whether you serve it for a weeknight meal or a backyard gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to win smiles and requests for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, but each one plays a starring role in creating the irresistible flavor and color of this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe. Every element adds something unique—nothing is there just for show!
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite cut for juiciness and tenderness—the marinade works wonders on both!
- Orange juice: Fresh or bottled, this is the secret to that bright citrus punch and natural sweetness.
- Orange zest: Don’t skip the zest—it intensifies the orange flavor and adds a fragrant aroma.
- Honey: Honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken its signature glossy finish.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory balance and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps it moist during grilling.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a subtle kick and rounds out the sweetness.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a gentle warmth and a hint of spice that wakes up the whole dish.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add a little bite without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t be shy!
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): These make gorgeous garnishes for a pop of color and a little crunch.
How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mixing everything well ensures every bite of chicken is packed with flavor. The aroma at this stage is already a hint of how tasty your Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is about to become!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let those flavors soak in. For even deeper flavor, let it marinate up to 8 hours—your patience will be rewarded!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is key for getting beautiful grill marks and that irresistible smoky flavor. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. If you’re using bone-in pieces, bump that time up to 8–10 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this keeps it extra juicy. Slice, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Your Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is now ready to shine!
How to Serve Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way here! Chopped green onions add freshness and color, while sesame seeds bring a subtle nutty crunch. Even a few curls of extra orange zest on top can make your Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
This chicken is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a bowl of coconut rice soak up the sauce beautifully. For a lighter plate, serve alongside grilled vegetables, a crisp cucumber salad, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party twist, slice the chicken and thread it onto skewers with grilled pineapple or peppers. Or, pile it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer. However you serve it, the bright orange glaze steals the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe, lucky you! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Place cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Add a splash of orange juice to keep it juicy and revive that citrusy aroma.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs or breasts work beautifully—just increase your grill time to 8–10 minutes per side to ensure the meat cooks through and stays juicy.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The oven version is just as flavorful and slightly less smoky.
Can I make this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free main course everyone can enjoy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The longer, the better for maximum flavor! Aim for at least 1 hour, but up to 8 hours is ideal. If you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes will still infuse plenty of taste.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the orange part of the peel—be careful not to get the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest adds a big burst of citrus without any bitterness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s bright, bold, and the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something memorable. Fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a plate full of sunshine!
Print
Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus 1-8 hours marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe features juicy chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfectly charred over the grill, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired main course that’s quick to prepare and full of zest.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- 1/3 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a 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 1 hour, or up to 8 hours to deepen the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for searing the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Slice if desired, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with your choice of rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- For bone-in chicken pieces, increase grilling time to 8–10 minutes per side to ensure thorough cooking.
- This recipe can also be baked in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if a grill is not available.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if you require the dish to be gluten-free.
- Marinating longer than 8 hours is not recommended as the citrus in the marinade can begin to break down the chicken texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
