Description
This Grilled Orange Honey Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and served alongside vegetables or a fresh salad, it’s a healthy and flavorful main course ideal for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, orange zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 to 4 hours to deeply infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain its juices. Slice and serve alongside grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding the raw chicken to use as a sauce after grilling—be sure to boil it for a few minutes to eliminate any bacteria.
- This recipe also works wonderfully with chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
