This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a big burst of flavor. The honey‑garlic marinade keeps the chicken moist while giving it a sweet yet savory finish from the grill. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a weekend cookout and pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) Chicken
boneless chicken breasts or thighs
salt
black pepper
Marinade & Sauce
honey
garlic cloves, minced
soy sauce
olive oil
lemon juice or rice vinegar
optional chili flakes or black pepper for heat
fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)
Directions
In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar until well combined.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium‑high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving excess marinade for basting.
Grill the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe typically serves 4 people. Marinating time is 30 minutes to 4 hours, and grilling takes about 12–16 minutes depending on chicken thickness.
Variations
Add a splash of orange juice or zest for extra citrus flavor.
Mix in a bit of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the marinade for depth.
Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.
Add ginger to the marinade for a fresh, slightly spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also chill and slice the chicken cold for salads or wraps.
FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts also work well.
Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time you can grill with the sauce as a glaze.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, basting with the marinade halfway through.
Is this recipe gluten‑free?
To make it gluten‑free, use a gluten‑free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, simmer some of the reserved marinade in a small saucepan until it reduces and thickens slightly before basting or serving.
How do I prevent the honey from burning on the grill?
Grill on medium heat and watch closely; basting during cooking helps prevent burning while adding flavor.
What should I serve with honey garlic chicken?
It goes well with rice, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Can I use this recipe for skewers?
Yes, cube the chicken and thread onto skewers, then grill a few minutes per side until cooked through.
Can I use bottled honey garlic sauce instead of making my own?
You can, but homemade marinade gives better balance of sweet and savory flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C); use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Conclusion
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile and satisfying meal that delivers sweet, savory, and juicy results with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and easy steps make it ideal for everyday meals or outdoor gatherings, and its adaptability lets you tailor the flavors to your taste.
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish made with chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a sweet-savory blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and citrus, then grilled to perfection with a caramelized glaze.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:16 minutes
Total Time:26 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Asian-Inspired
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice or rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or additional black pepper (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar until well combined.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for basting.
Grill the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.
Notes
Add orange juice or zest to the marinade for extra citrus flavor.Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.Mix in Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for added depth.Add fresh grated ginger for a spicy twist.Marinate longer for deeper flavor, up to 4 hours.Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
