Bright, zesty, and irresistibly sweet with the faintest hint of char, this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is the sunniest meal you can throw on your grill! It beautifully blends real orange juice and zest, drizzles of honey, and just enough savory soy and garlic to keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or planning a backyard BBQ, this dish promises juicy, flavorful results every single time. Trust me, if you crave a totally unforgettable grilled chicken that bursts with citrusy goodness, you’ll want this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe on repeat in your kitchen rotation.

Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this mouthwatering Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is simplicity—each ingredient is a powerhouse, playing its own role in color, juiciness, and that signature tangy-sweet flavor. Don’t skip a single one; together, they create pure grilled chicken magic!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for fast, even grilling and soaking up all the bright marinade.
Orange Juice: Fresh or bottled adds zippy citrus flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
Orange Zest: The zest intensifies the orange flavor and gives the dish pops of color and fragrance.
Honey: Natural sweetness that balances citrus and creates a gorgeous glaze on the grill.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and an edge of saltiness, rounding out the sweet flavors.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps lock in all the flavors while grilling.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with mellow, aromatic depth.
Ginger: A bit of fresh or ground ginger brings a breezy, unexpected heat and brightness.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the marinade flavors into focus and seasoning the chicken through.
Black Pepper: A light kick that wakes up all the other flavors.

How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper. You’ll smell that citrusy aroma pop right out of the bowl! This vibrant marinade sets the stage for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken imaginable. If you love a little extra tang, feel free to use fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish, then pour all the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well coated, then seal and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—a quick soak for busy nights—or up to 8 hours if you want every bite saturated with citrus and honey. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavors go!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high—aiming for at least 400°F. While the grill heats, take your chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard any leftover marinade (unless you plan to boil and baste for extra flavor). You want the grill hot enough for beautiful grill marks and a flavorful sear.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Lay the chicken breasts down on the grates and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F. The outside should have that beautifully caramelized glaze thanks to the honey—watch for those golden, crispy edges!

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let your grilled chicken rest for about 5 minutes, so the juices redistribute and stay locked inside. Right before serving, drizzle with a little extra honey or a sprinkle of orange zest if you want to punch up the sunshine flavor. Now dig in—the Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe truly elevates the experience. A final touch of fresh orange zest or a glistening drizzle of honey makes each plate pop with glimmer and scent. For even more color, sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken with steamed rice (to soak up all the sauces), grilled or roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette. On summer days, grilled corn on the cob or a chilled orzo salad make dreamy companions. The flavors are bright and flexible, so let your favorites shine!

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cooked chicken and tuck it into warm pita or tortillas with slaw for a citrusy sandwich twist, or present the whole breasts over a bed of greens for a striking salad centerpiece. Mini-skewers of chicken make perfect party appetizers, and bite-sized portions are irresistible for backyard gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is a lifesaver for fast, flavorful meals. Once totally cool, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making every leftover bite just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken individually so you can easily pull out just what you need for a speedy meal.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of orange juice if you want to keep things nice and moist. You’ll revive all those sticky, sweet flavors in no time without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts?

Absolutely! The Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe adapts wonderfully to thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—dark meat tends to be more forgiving and even juicier.

Is it okay to marinate overnight?

Marinating overnight is totally fine and often preferred for an even deeper flavor infusion. Just don’t let it sit longer than 8 hours, or the acid from the orange juice might start to change the texture of the chicken.

Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?

For sure! Use a grill pan or broiler in your oven. You’ll still achieve caramelization and all that lovely flavor; just be mindful of cooking times and get your pan nice and hot before adding the chicken.

Is this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), and the entire dish will be safe for those avoiding gluten.

What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?

Don’t skip the resting step after grilling—letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes locks in moisture. Also, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken off at exactly 165°F for the juiciest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing main dish that’s anything but ordinary, this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is sure to become a staple. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let the sweet and tangy flavors turn your next meal into a real celebration. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The marinade infuses the chicken with citrusy notes and caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:

½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
2 tablespoons orange zest
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with extra orange zest if desired.

Notes

For extra citrus flavor, baste the chicken with reserved marinade (that’s been boiled for safety) during grilling.
This recipe also works well with chicken thighs or drumsticks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American