If you’re ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of citrusy sweetness, this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is just what you need. With succulent pieces of chicken marinated to perfection in a luscious blend of orange juice, honey, and spices, this dish is a juicy delight that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Citrus Bliss: The harmony of fresh orange juice and zest makes the chicken sing with vibrant flavors.
- Sweet & Savory: There’s a perfect balance between the natural sweetness of honey and the savory spices.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute barbecue gathering.
- Healthy Delight: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a nutritious choice for those who love to eat well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the ingredients — each one is carefully chosen to create that perfect burst of flavor in our Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe. With simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll find this dish both accessible and delightful.
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for a quicker cook and easy serving.
- Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: This provides that deep umami flavor essential for a balanced marinade.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a natural sweetness and tang.
- Honey: Its sweetness complements the citrus and adds a lovely caramelization when grilled.
- Ground Ginger: A hint of warm spice that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Salt & Garlic Powder: These bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Orange Zest: Zest adds an intense citrus fragrance that can’t be replicated.
Variations
The beauty of this Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to adapt and make it your own according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative variations to consider:
- Spicy Orange Honey Chicken: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse fresh rosemary or thyme into the marinade for an herby twist.
- Asian Fusion: Include a dash of sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving for a vibrant, nutty flavor.
How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, start by slicing them horizontally into thinner cutlets. This not only ensures even cooking but also allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, creating a juicier result.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Combine your chicken and marinade ingredients in a large zip-top bag. Press out the air, seal, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Allow it to marinate for a minimum of one hour. The longer you let it sit, the more intense and wonderful the flavor will become!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. Ensuring it’s properly preheated will enhance those beautiful grill marks and instill a delightful smoky flavor into your chicken.
Step 4: Oil and Grill
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place your marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Remember, the chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s juicy and tender.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
- Perfect Marinade Time: For the juiciest chicken, let your chicken marinate overnight to fully absorb all the flavors.
- Optimal Grilling Temperature: Maintaining a medium-high heat guarantees a beautiful sear without drying out the chicken.
- Slicing Technique: Thin, even slices mean more surface area for the marinade and shorter grill time.
- Resting is Key: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes for easier slicing and more flavorful results.
How to Serve Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro. These not only add color but also enhance the freshness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken pairs splendidly with a light garden salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of quinoa or wild rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a sophisticated presentation, arrange the chicken slices fan-like across the plate, accented with the garnish of choice. Drizzle extra marinade over the top for a polished, culinary finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will keep the chicken moist and flavor-packed for future meals.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze, ensure the chicken is cooled completely before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it super convenient for meal prepping.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, a microwave can be used for a quick reheating option, ensuring you cover the chicken to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but keep in mind that the grilling time will be longer. Ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F.
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What can I use as a substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos, soy sauce is a great alternative that provides a similar umami flavor. Tamari is another option if you’re looking for a gluten-free substitute.
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How can I add more flavor to the marinade?
Consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice or a few shakes of paprika for additional flavor depth. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also make the marinade sing.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook in batches and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe is a culinary treasure that is sparkling with flavor and simplicity. It’s time to fire up the grill and experience the joy of sweet and savory perfection. Happy cooking, my friends!
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
Description
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish, marinated in a sweet and tangy citrus honey sauce, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, it combines the brightness of orange with the natural richness of chicken, offering a healthy and delicious meal.
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 ensures faster cooking and even browning on all sides. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the breasts parallel to the cutting board.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken and all marinade ingredients into a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. Flatten the bag to distribute the marinade evenly over the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably longer or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures optimal searing and flavor development.
- Oil and Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust cooking time based on thickness. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer to cook on the stovetop, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked, adjusting time for thicker cuts.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor but is not necessary; at least 1 hour is recommended.
- For added zest, serve with orange slices or garnish with parsley or cilantro.
- This recipe can also be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for an alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
