Your New Favorite Grilled Chicken Dinner
There’s something magical about the combination of honey and garlic—sweet, bold, and full of flavor. This honey garlic chicken recipe is your new go-to for an easy, satisfying grilled chicken dinner. Whether you’re cooking outdoors on a sunny weekend or whipping up a quick weekday meal, this dish brings just the right mix of comfort and excitement to the table.
Perfect for anyone craving summer grilled chicken without a ton of prep work, it’s a dish that tastes as good as it looks—sticky, golden, and totally irresistible.
What Makes This Honey Garlic Chicken So Irresistible
- Grill-friendly and weeknight-ready: Great on a barbecue or stovetop—your choice!
- With just the right mix of sweetness and savory depth, the honey garlic glaze caramelizes into a glossy, golden finish that coats every piece with bold flavor.
- Low-effort, high reward: Less than 10 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile cuts: Works great with easy grilled chicken thighs or breasts.
- Meal prep approved: Leftovers reheat well for quick lunches.
Ingredients for This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, trimmed and ready to cook
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, or substitute with any neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but recommended)
- Use ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of spice in the dish — this is entirely optional.
Optional Glaze Thickener:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
How to Make This Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Step by Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Bold Garlic Flavor
Season your chicken with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour half over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 6 hours in the fridge). Reserve the rest of the sauce for basting or glazing.
Step 2: Grill Your Easy Garlic Chicken to Perfection
Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking, then grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved honey garlic sauce in the last few minutes for added flavor.
Stovetop: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through in the middle.
Step 3: OMake the Honey Garlic Sauce Sticky and Rich
For a stickier finish, simmer the reserved sauce in a saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch and water slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken just before serving, or offer it on the side as a delicious dipping option.
Step 4: Serve Your Grilled Chicken with a Flavorful Glaze
Serve warm with your favorite sides for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Glazed Chicken Safely
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- To keep it longer, store the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Reheat slowly to preserve its tender texture and flavor.
- Food safety: Always discard raw marinade or boil it thoroughly before reuse to eliminate bacteria.
Perfect Pairings the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This BBQ chicken recipe goes wonderfully with:
- Grilled zucchini or bell peppers
- Herbed couscous or garlic rice
- Watermelon feta salad
- Lemonade, sparkling water, or chilled white wine
Make it part of your next summer grilled chicken feast!
What to Serve with Your Summer Grilled Chicken
This BBQ chicken recipe pairs beautifully with:
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Grilled corn on the cob
-
Garlic mashed potatoes
-
Chilled pasta salad
-
Roasted sweet potatoes
-
Lemon iced tea or a crisp lager
Conclusion
This honey garlic chicken is more than just another easy grilled chicken thighs recipe—it’s a flavor-packed staple you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re grilling on the patio or cooking indoors, this dish fits the bill for quick meals, special dinners, or summer parties.
Ready to make it tonight? Fire up the grill and let the honey garlic magic begin.
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FAQs About Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Can I bake this chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with sauce near the end.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The sweet sauce is usually a hit with kids. Skip the chili flakes if needed.
What vegetables go well with this dish?
Grilled corn, green beans, asparagus, or a fresh cucumber salad all work beautifully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and even cook it the day before. Just reheat gently.
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Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This grilled honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a rich honey garlic sauce, grilled to perfection, and finished with a glossy glaze. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that brings out the best in summer grilling and weeknight meals alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed
-
Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil like canola or avocado)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
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⅓ cup honey
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
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4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional but adds depth)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
For the Glaze (Optional)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon water
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken in a sealed container or zip-top bag. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator. Reserve the remaining sauce. -
Grill or Sear the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with reserved sauce during the final minutes until the chicken is nicely caramelized.
Stovetop Option: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. -
Make the Glaze (Optional)
Simmer the reserved sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture and cook until thickened and glossy, about 2 minutes. -
Serve
Plate the chicken hot, drizzled with the sticky glaze. Pair with rice, grilled vegetables, or your favorite sides.
Notes
Substitution: Swap chicken thighs for breasts or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Version: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes for more heat.
Make Ahead: Marinate chicken up to a day in advance.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken recipe, grilled chicken dinner, summer grilled chicken, BBQ chicken recipe, easy grilled chicken thighs
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