Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Meet your new weeknight (or weekend!) favorite: Grilled Honey Butter Chicken. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken grilled until charred and smoky, then drenched in a golden honey butter glaze that’s downright irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll crave all summer long—and one you’ll want to make on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is beautifully simple, but each ingredient is chosen with care to guarantee maximum flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter for perfect Grilled Honey Butter Chicken.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Thighs are extra juicy and forgiving, but breasts work perfectly if you prefer leaner meat—just be mindful not to overcook.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors to life.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color that feels just right for the grill.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory depth and ensures every bite is full of flavor.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Melts into a silky glaze that keeps the chicken succulent and coats it in a rich finish.
• Honey (⅓ cup): The star sweetener—its caramelization on the grill makes the chicken gloriously sticky and golden.
• Fresh garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the butter with real garlicky punch (so much better than powder here).
• Chopped chives: For that final fresh, vibrant pop atop the finished dish—don’t skip the garnish!

Variations

Feel free to make this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken your own—this recipe couldn’t be easier to tweak and personalize. Play with spices, swap proteins, or adjust sweetness to customize every batch to your liking!

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a swirl of hot sauce to the honey butter glaze for sweet-heat perfection.
• Herby Twist: Mix finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the butter for an herby fragrance that pairs beautifully with honey.
• Swap the Protein: This glaze is magic on bone-in chicken, pork chops, salmon fillets, or even tofu if you’re going for a meatless main!
• Smoked BBQ Finish: Brush the chicken with a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce before the final basting of honey butter for a sweet-and-smoky barbecue hybrid.

How to Make Grilled Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Season Your Chicken

Start by preheating your grill on the highest setting—you want it sizzling hot! While it’s heating up, pat your chicken dry and sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning sets the foundation for that wonderful smoky, savory crust.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Once the grill is hot, lay the chicken pieces directly on the grates. Grill for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning just once, until beautifully seared and cooked through. Keeping the lid closed most of the time helps lock in moisture and create those signature char marks.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

While your chicken cooks, whisk together the butter, honey, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely—when it’s bubbly and aromatic, you’re good to go. Remove it from the heat and get ready to glaze!

Step 4: Brush, Flip, and Glaze

With a grill-safe brush, generously baste the chicken with the warm honey butter. Flip, baste again, and repeat once or twice so every surface is sticky and golden. The heat from the grill helps the glaze caramelize into an irresistible, lacquered coating.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Take the chicken off the grill and give it one last brush of the remaining honey butter before topping with a flurry of fresh chives. Serve immediately for absolute perfection—you’ll want to dive in while it’s still warm and glistening.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A finishing shower of fresh chopped chives is more than just pretty—it adds a burst of subtle oniony freshness that brightens the glossy glaze. You can also scatter a few thinly sliced green onions or even toasted sesame seeds for texture and color.

Side Dishes

Pair Grilled Honey Butter Chicken with all your summer favorites: think buttery corn on the cob, a big green salad, simple grilled vegetables, or fluffy rice pilaf. It’s equally delicious alongside creamy potato salad or buttery biscuits for a Southern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Tuck the sliced chicken into warm, pillowy slider buns for honey butter chicken sliders, or chop into bite-size pieces and toss into a fresh green salad with extra honey butter as a dressing. For a stunning platter, slice and layer the chicken over grilled peaches or nectarines for a sweet-savory twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Honey Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Wrap pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then tuck into a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and brush with a fresh batch of honey butter for maximum flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in a 325°F oven or in a covered pan over low heat until just heated through. For extra juiciness, drizzle with a splash more honey butter or chicken broth while reheating—this revives the glaze and keeps everything luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an effortless recipe that wins hearts every time, you can’t go wrong with Grilled Honey Butter Chicken. It’s sticky, sweet, savory, and brings everyone to the table grinning. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and family) will thank you!

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