Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving ultra-juicy chicken with a caramelized glaze that’s downright irresistible, Grilled Honey Butter Chicken is about to become your warm-weather favorite. Every bite bursts with smoky char, velvety honeyed butter, and a pop of fresh chives—honestly, it’s summer on a plate.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken comes together with kitchen staples, each chosen for a reason—no fillers, just flavor fireworks! Take a peek at how everything plays its part to make dinner truly memorable.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner white meat.
• Kosher salt and pepper: These basics are key for bringing out the chicken’s flavor before the glaze even hits.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the grill’s char and that touch of honey.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers extra savory depth and ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): The heart of the glaze, it melts for a luscious, rich finish.
• Honey (⅓ cup): Besides sweetness, honey helps the glaze caramelize and cling to every morsel.
• Fresh garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses every brushstroke of glaze with mellow garlic punch.
• Chopped chives: For a fresh, vibrant pop of color and light oniony brightness just before serving.

Variations

Don’t be shy about giving this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken your own twist—whether it’s a dietary tweak or a fun flavor experiment, there’s plenty of room to make it all yours!

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the honey butter if you love a little sweet heat.
• Switch the herbs: Try topping with parsley, basil, or dill instead of chives for a completely new aromatic finish.
• Use bone-in pieces: Drumsticks or bone-in thighs get gloriously crispy and juicy, just increase the grill time slightly.
• Go dairy-free: Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil for a still-delicious glaze with that signature shine.

How to Make Grilled Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by firing up your grill to its highest setting—this part is important for those grill marks and a gorgeous sear! While the grill heats, grab your chicken and seasonings so you’re ready to roll the moment those grates are sizzling.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

On a cutting board, generously season both sides of your chicken with kosher salt, cracked pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Give it a gentle press so the seasoning really hugs the chicken—trust me, this is where the flavor begins.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Once the grill is roaring hot, lay your chicken pieces on the grates. Close the lid and resist the urge to fuss—let each side grill for 5 to 6 minutes. This creates a deliciously smoky char while locking in those juices.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

While the chicken grills, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and minced garlic, letting it bubble for just a minute or so. Remove from the heat as soon as it’s silky and fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

Brush the bubbling honey butter all over the grilled chicken, then flip and brush again. Do this once or twice more for an extra-lacquered finish. The more glaze, the more glorious that sweet-savory shine! When done, take the chicken off the grill and give it one last sweep of glaze before serving.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Butter Chicken

Garnishes

This is your cue for a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives—they add a punch of color and a gentle oniony zip that wakes up the sweet-savory glaze. If you’re feeling extra, thinly sliced green onions or a quick scatter of toasted sesame seeds make it party-ready in a flash.

Side Dishes

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken loves classic barbecue pairings: think corn on the cob, herby potato salad, or crisp coleslaw. For something lighter, serve with a big green salad or grilled seasonal veggies—every option soaks up the glaze like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

Sliced chicken fanned across a platter with lemon wedges or grilled peaches dazzles at a summer table. For slam-dunk weeknights, pile the chicken onto slider buns with crunchy pickles or wrap it up in warm tortillas with fresh slaw for honey-butter chicken tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sticky glaze actually gets even tastier as it sits, and makes a fabulous salad topper the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap portions in foil or freezer bags and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Grilled Honey Butter Chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra glaze if you have it. The microwave works in a pinch, but reheating in a skillet helps preserve the sticky goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall for Grilled Honey Butter Chicken—the flavors are dreamy, the process is simple, and it genuinely brings a bit of sunshine to your table. Gather your crew, fire up the grill, and treat yourselves to a meal worth remembering!

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