If you love the irresistible combination of sweet heat and smoky char, then this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Juicy, tender chicken thighs get a deliciously sticky glaze made from honey and hot sauce, balanced perfectly with a little apple cider vinegar and fragrant spices. Every bite delivers that incredible sweet-spicy flavor with a grilled depth that’s pure summer magic. Whether you’re firing up the grill for weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is as straightforward as it is show-stopping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe calls for simple ingredients that each add an essential layer of flavor, texture, and color. Every element works harmoniously to create that perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and smokiness that makes the dish unforgettable.
- ¼ cup honey: The heart of the glaze, providing natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture that caramelizes on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Brings the fiery kick that contrasts beautifully with the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a mild tang that brightens and balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow, savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Delivers a gentle smoky flavor that echoes the grill’s char.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides a hint of spice and rounds out the seasoning.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender for grilling, carrying the bold flavors well.
- Olive oil (for grilling): Prevents sticking and promotes a nice sear on the grill grates.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey Marinade
Start by mixing the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, Kosher salt, onion powder, smoked paprika if you’re using it, and black pepper in a large bowl. This will be your flavorful marinade and glaze base, combining sweet, spicy, and smoky notes all at once.
Step 2: Set Aside a Glaze Portion
Once your sauce is mixed, scoop out about half into a small bowl and set it aside. This reserved portion will be brushed on the chicken while it’s grilling to amp up the flavor and give it that gorgeous sticky finish.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better. Then submerge them into the remaining marinade, letting them soak for 15 to 30 minutes. This step ensures each piece is bursting with that amazing hot honey flavor before grilling.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill and Oil the Grates
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 375°F to 450°F. Before placing the chicken on, lightly brush the grates with olive oil. This will prevent sticking and help you get those perfect grill marks.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken and Glaze
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re perfectly cooked through. During the last few minutes, generously brush the chicken with the reserved hot honey glaze, letting it caramelize and create that shiny, sticky coating.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once off the grill, let your chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle, guaranteeing juicy, tender bites in every mouthful of your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really lift this dish. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of green color and bright herbal notes. Thinly sliced green onions add a pleasant crunch and mild bite, while a quick drizzle of extra honey or hot sauce can amp up the sweetness or heat to personal taste.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken shines when paired with simple, complementary sides. Creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy, cool contrast. Grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers echo the smoky grill flavors. For a heartier meal, buttery mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf make great companions, soaking up any extra glaze left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate for a fun twist: shred the cooked chicken for spicy chicken tacos or stuff it into warm pita pockets with crunchy slaw. Serving over a bed of fresh greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette creates a satisfying salad. Even layering slices over crispy flatbread with melted cheese makes for a wonderful appetizer or casual meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled hot honey chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain juiciness and flavor. It’s perfect for quick lunches or to toss into salads and wraps for the next few days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, wrap cooked chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture tender.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also microwave on medium power, covering loosely to trap steam and retain moisture. Brushing with a bit of extra hot honey glaze before reheating can help refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work in this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe but keep in mind they cook faster and tend to be less juicy than thighs. Watch them closely on the grill to avoid drying out.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on the hot sauce you choose. It’s a balanced warmth that complements the sweetness without overwhelming it. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce amount up or down to suit your taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade and glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes the cooking process even quicker and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky depth that echoes the grill, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it on hand, the recipe still tastes fantastic without it.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors. Just adjust cooking times and keep an eye on the glaze to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques come together to create something truly special. It’s sweet, spicy, smoky, and juicy all at once—a combination that always delights the crowd. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a staple in your cooking rotation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with every perfectly glazed bite!
Print
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines sweet honey and spicy hot sauce to create a flavorful marinade and glaze for juicy, tender chicken thighs. Perfectly grilled over medium-high heat, this dish offers a balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors ideal for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade and Glaze Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredient
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, Kosher salt, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and pepper until well combined to create the marinade and glaze.
- Reserve glaze: Set aside half of the prepared sauce in a small bowl to use later for glazing the chicken during grilling.
- Marinate chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then add them to the remaining marinade. Coat thoroughly and let them marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, between 375°F and 450°F, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 4 to 7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are cooked through. During the last few minutes, brush the reserved sauce onto the chicken to create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute before serving hot.
Notes
- For best results, do not marinate the chicken for more than 30 minutes as the acidity can start to break down the meat texture.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to make the dish milder or spicier according to your taste preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler to cook the chicken, turning carefully for even cooking.
- The smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky depth to the marinade.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and tender.
