Can I make this in the oven instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-18 minutes (for cutlets) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You won't get quite the same caramelization as the grill, but it will still be delicious.

Is there a substitute for honey if I don't have any?

Brown sugar or maple syrup work beautifully as substitutes. Each will bring its own subtle flavor profile, but they'll both provide the sweetness and caramelization you're looking for.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh is ideal for the brightest flavor, bottled orange juice will work in a pinch. If using bottled, don't skip the orange zest – it adds that intense citrus flavor that makes this dish special.

How can I tell when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

Without a thermometer, look for chicken that's firm to the touch, no longer pink inside, and has clear (not pink) juices when pierced. However, a thermometer really is the most reliable method for perfectly cooked chicken.

Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe

Name: Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless; ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce; ¼ cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Zest from half an orange

This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The mouthwatering combination of sweet orange, honey, and savory soy creates a caramelized exterior that locks in juicy, tender meat. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight meals, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – just marinate, grill, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of orange, honey, and soy creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry and fridge – no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients required.
Versatile: Works beautifully with chicken breasts or thighs, and can be grilled outdoors or cooked in a skillet inside.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The longer it marinates, the better it tastes – perfect for prepping ahead and cooking when you’re ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work beautifully here. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: Provides the savory, umami foundation. Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter, less salty alternative if you’re avoiding soy.
Orange Juice: Fresh is best! The acidity helps tenderize the chicken while adding bright citrus flavor.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous caramelization on the grill.
Ground Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the orange.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken isn’t bland.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savory notes without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have on the grill.
Orange Zest: This is where the intense orange flavor really comes from – don’t skip it!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Proteins

Try this marinade with pork tenderloin, salmon fillets, or firm tofu for a delicious twist.

Spicy Version

Add a teaspoon of sriracha or half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give the marinade some heat.

Herb Infusion

Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to add an aromatic dimension.

Asian-Inspired

Add a tablespoon of sesame oil and a teaspoon of rice vinegar to pivot toward more Asian flavors.

How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This genius move helps the chicken cook more evenly and absorb more of that delicious marinade. For thighs, you can leave them as is – they’re naturally thinner and more forgiving.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

Combine coconut aminos (or soy sauce), orange juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, garlic powder, and orange zest in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Squish everything around to mix it thoroughly.

Step 3: Marinate

Add your chicken to the bag, press out excess air, and seal it up. Lay the bag flat in your refrigerator, making sure the marinade surrounds all pieces of chicken. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can plan ahead, several hours or overnight will give you even more flavor.

Step 4: Grill Time

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grates – this chicken has honey in the marinade, which can stick if you’re not careful. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken, but you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Flatten for Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, give them a gentle pounding with a meat mallet to even them out.
Don’t Rush the Marinade: While an hour works, overnight marinating delivers significantly better flavor penetration.
Watch for Flare-Ups: The honey in this marinade can cause flare-ups on a very hot grill. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame any flames.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to avoid dry, overcooked chicken is to use a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for 165°F.
Reserve Some Marinade: If you want a sauce to serve alongside, set aside a portion of the marinade before adding the chicken, then simmer it in a small saucepan until slightly thickened.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it with:

Coconut rice or cilantro lime rice
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus
A fresh green salad with avocado
Roasted sweet potatoes

Serving Ideas

Slice and serve over salad for a protein-packed lunch
Dice and add to grain bowls
Slice and wrap in warm tortillas with avocado and slaw
Serve whole with your favorite sides for a complete dinner

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually makes fantastic leftovers as the flavors continue to develop.

Freezing

You can freeze this chicken both before or after cooking:

Before cooking: Freeze the chicken directly in the marinade for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with grilling.
After cooking: Wrap cooled chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To maintain moisture when reheating:

Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals
Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 275°F until heated through
Skillet: Add a splash of water or orange juice, cover, and warm over medium-low heat

FAQs

Can I make this in the oven instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-18 minutes (for cutlets) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You won’t get quite the same caramelization as the grill, but it will still be delicious.
Is there a substitute for honey if I don’t have any?

Brown sugar or maple syrup work beautifully as substitutes. Each will bring its own subtle flavor profile, but they’ll both provide the sweetness and caramelization you’re looking for.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh is ideal for the brightest flavor, bottled orange juice will work in a pinch. If using bottled, don’t skip the orange zest – it adds that intense citrus flavor that makes this dish special.
How can I tell when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

Without a thermometer, look for chicken that’s firm to the touch, no longer pink inside, and has clear (not pink) juices when pierced. However, a thermometer really is the most reliable method for perfectly cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken might just become your new go-to recipe. It strikes that perfect balance between everyday easy and special enough for company. The bright citrus flavors paired with sweet honey create something truly magical that elevates simple chicken to memorable status. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen – I promise your taste buds will thank you!