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
Units
Scale
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
