If you’re hunting for a juicy, flavorful chicken that’s easy to whip up but feels downright gourmet, this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is about to be your new go-to. It’s that perfect combo of sweet, savory, and just a little smoky, thanks to the honey butter glaze and a quick hit of spice. I promise, once you try this, your weeknight dinners will never be the same—let’s dive in so you can see why this fan-freaking-tastic recipe deserves a spot on your grill schedule!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: You can have this grilled honey butter chicken on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of smoky paprika, garlicky notes, and sweet honey butter is ridiculously delicious without being overpowering.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time: Using thighs or breasts with careful grilling keeps the chicken moist and tender—and that glaze seals the deal.
- Super Versatile: Great for weeknights, weekend BBQs, or even batch cooking to reheat later.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here has a job that makes this grilled honey butter chicken sing. The simple spices bring a little smoky warmth, while the honey butter glaze adds that luscious shine and irresistible sweetness. I always recommend picking high-quality butter and local honey if you can—those little details really elevate the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicy with grilling, but breasts work if you don’t mind being a bit more careful to avoid drying out.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning evenly and bringing out the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky, earthy depth without tasting like actual smoke.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to get that savory garlic flavor evenly distributed.
- Butter: The key to that rich, creamy base for the sauce that clings beautifully.
- Honey: Sweet, sticky, and perfect for caramelizing on the grill.
- Garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic sharpens and brightens the honey butter glaze.
- Chopped chives for topping: For a fresh, oniony pop and gorgeous color contrast.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this grilled honey butter chicken recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your mood or what’s in your pantry. Feel free to switch up the spices or play with different herbs, and you’ll still end up with a winner.
- Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick when I want a spicy-sweet combo—that smoky heat pairs insanely well with honey.
- Dietary Mod: For a dairy-free spin, swap the butter for coconut oil—it adds a nice tropical touch, especially if you toss in some lime zest.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, I like to toss a sprinkle of cinnamon into the honey butter glaze to warm things up even more.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Get That Grill Hot and Ready
Before anything else, crank your grill to the highest setting. You want it nice and hot so the chicken sears quickly, locking in juices and creating beautiful grill marks. While it’s heating up, pat your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better and avoids steaming.
Step 2: Season It Up
Sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder all over the chicken pieces. Make sure to season both sides well—don’t be shy! I usually rub it in a bit to help the flavors really soak in.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on your hot grill grates and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes without peeking or moving it. This first sear is key to getting those charred grill marks. Then flip and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Depending on thickness, check for an internal temperature of about 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the chicken grills, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add honey and the minced garlic, stirring until everything is melted and bubbling gently. Once it’s ready, take the pan off the heat and set it aside near the grill so you’re ready to brush during grilling.
Step 5: Glaze and Repeat
Brush the chicken generously with the honey butter glaze after flipping it on the grill. Turn and brush again on the other side. Repeat brushing once or twice more as it finishes cooking for layers of flavor and gorgeous shine. This part can feel a little indulgent, but trust me, it’s worth every brushed-on drop.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and give it one last brush with the glaze. Let it rest a couple minutes before serving—this keeps it juicy. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh finish and that beautiful pop of green. Then, dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Moisture on the chicken surface slows down browning, so make sure it’s dry to get those beautiful grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I always check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking—aim for 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Brush Often: Applying multiple layers of the glaze while grilling really builds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Avoid Flare-Ups: Keep a spray bottle of water handy on the grill to quickly tame any flare-ups caused by the sweet glaze dripping.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with fresh chopped chives because they add such a pretty color and a subtle oniony brightness to balance the sweetness. Sometimes, I like a little sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even fresh lemon zest for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs brilliantly with grilled veggies—think asparagus or bell peppers—and a light, tangy slaw to cut through the richness. I also love it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or simple garlic butter rice for a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For summer parties, I sometimes slice up the grilled chicken and serve it over fresh greens with a drizzle of extra honey butter glaze as a warm salad. For a casual weekend treat, piling the chicken on toasted brioche buns with pickled onions and arugula makes a killer sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to cool leftover grilled honey butter chicken completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect lunch or easy dinner option.
Freezing
Freezing works great with this recipe! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. I find the flavors hold up nicely, especially if you reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover chicken in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil to keep it from drying out. A quick brush of extra honey butter sauce before serving freshens it up beautifully, almost like you just grilled it!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine here but tend to dry out faster than thighs. To keep them juicy, watch the grill time closely and consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Keep the glaze handy to brush on often for moisture and flavor.
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What if I don’t have a grill—can I make this indoors?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or even broil the chicken in the oven. For broiling, place the chicken on a foil-lined tray and watch closely since broilers can vary in intensity. The honey butter glaze is just as delicious brushed on here.
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How do I prevent the honey butter from causing flare-ups on the grill?
Great question! Honey’s sugars can drip and cause flare-ups, so keep a spray bottle of water nearby to calm flames quickly. Also, brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of cooking and flip often to avoid burning.
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Can I prepare the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the honey butter sauce a few hours in advance and keep it warm at low heat. Just reheat gently before brushing it onto the chicken. This saves time when you’re ready to grill.
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What sides pair best with Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe?
Light, fresh sides like grilled veggies, summer slaws, or garlic butter rice complement the rich, sweet chicken perfectly. For heartier options, mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad balance the flavors well.
Final Thoughts
This grilled honey butter chicken recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is totally manageable on a weekday. I love how it hits that sweet spot between simple prep and big flavor payoff—plus, winning compliments happen every single time I make it. Give it a go, and I bet it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen, too. I can’t wait to hear how you put your own spin on it!
Print
Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts with a sweet and savory honey butter glaze infused with garlic. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, this dish is topped with fresh chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor, making it an ideal main course for summer meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Topping
- Chopped chives for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to the highest setting to ensure it is hot enough for cooking the chicken evenly and achieving a good sear.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season all over with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Grill the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill grates. Grill undisturbed for 6 minutes, then flip and grill the other side for another 6 minutes until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Prepare the honey butter glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the butter, honey, and minced garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture starts bubbling, then remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Glaze the chicken: Remove the saucepan from the stove and brush the hot honey butter mixture onto the chicken on the grill. Turn the chicken and brush again. Repeat this glazing step once or twice more to build layers of flavor.
- Finish and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and brush it with more honey butter. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for freshness and serve immediately with your favorite summer side dishes.
Notes
- Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the grilling time depending on chicken thickness and grill heat to avoid under or overcooking.
- Honey butter glaze can be prepared ahead and warmed before brushing on the chicken.
- For a spicier touch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
