Grilled Orange Honey Chicken

This flavorful chicken includes a light citrusy marinade that’s perfect for summer. Fresh orange juice and honey make this delicious grilled chicken recipe a favorite!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2017 and has been republished with all new photos.

I want to be outside for as many meals as possible this time of year. I just want to grill everything. It’s easily my favorite way to cook because it feels like an experience instead of just a task. Do you know what I mean? Give me a glass of wine, some music, and a grill. There’s not much that makes me happier.

This orange chicken recipe is one my whole family loves. The key to this entree is the simple marinade. Because citrus is a mild flavor you’ll want to give this marinade time to work its magic. I like to let it marinate for 8 to 12 hours whenever possible. Trust me, it’s worth it. The flavors in here are light, bright, and scream of warm weather days with sunshine. It is so good. Promise me you’ll add this grilled chicken to your summer bucket list.

No matter whether you have a gas grill, charcoal grill, or electric grill, you can enjoy this beautiful summer entree tonight and I sure hope you do.

Grilled Orange Honey Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts in this grilling recipe but skinless chicken thighs, bone-in chicken thighs, or boneless thighs are also delicious options if you prefer dark meat.
• Coconut aminos or soy sauce: You can use either coconut aminos or soy sauce in this marinade.
• Orange juice: The citrus flavor in this chicken comes from the orange juice in the marinade.
• Honey: A small amount of honey adds a bit of sweetness to the marinade.
• Orange zest: Orange zest amps up the orange flavor.
• Seasonings: Ground ginger, salt, and garlic powder are the only seasonings you need to flavor this easy marinade.

How to Make Grilled Orange Honey Chicken

Let’s make this simple recipe, shall we? Place chicken (breasts or thighs) in a gallon Ziploc bag with all ingredients for the orange chicken marinade. Seal the bag, squeezing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the bigger the orange flavor.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, grill your chicken. To grill, remove each chicken breast or thigh from the bag and place on a hot grill over medium heat. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until done. Cooking time may increase if you’re using bone-in chicken. Your chicken should be a beautiful golden brown and juices should run clear. If you find that you regularly overcook chicken I recommend getting a meat thermometer. It’s a most accurate way to make sure your chicken is the right temperature when you take it off the grill. For chicken breasts, you’re wanting an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

If this weather doesn’t permit using the outdoor grill, I recommend using an indoor grill pan but sautéing also works well! To sauté, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet on the stovetop. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. (You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken sizzles as you place it in the pan.) Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes. Flip your chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Cooking time may increase if you’re using bone-in chicken. (Chicken should be firm to the touch when done and juices should run clear.)

Coconut Aminos vs Soy Sauce

You can use either coconut aminos or soy sauce in this marinade.

Soy sauce is a flavorful condiment of Chinese origin. It’s name comes from the fermented soybean paste used to make it.

Coconut aminos is a soy sauce substitute that has a lot less sodium and contains no soy. It truly tastes like a slightly sweet soy sauce and has no coconut flavor! You can find it in your local grocery store on the aisle with soy sauce or in the gluten free section. Learn more about what it is and why it’s so popular in healthy recipes here.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs?

Feel free to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I use breasts most often simply because that’s what my family prefers. You can even use bone-in if you like.

Can this Chicken Be Made Whole30?

Yes, just omit the honey and opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this marinade Whole30 compliant.

Will this Marinade Work Well with Other Proteins?

Yes, it’s delicious with turkey or pork tenderloin.

How Long Should You Marinate Grilled Chicken?

Since orange is a fairly mild flavor I recommend marinating for at least an hour and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate the more pronounced the citrus flavor will be. I don’t recommend longer than 12 hours because your meat can start to breakdown and the texture changes if it sits in a marinade for too long. (That goes for any marinade.)

How To Prevent Chicken from Sticking to the Grill

When I’m grilling meat without an olive oil marinade I add olive oil to the grill grates. If you try to flip your chicken and you notice it’s sticking a bit just give it another minute before flipping and the chicken will release better then.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken

Want to enjoy this easy recipe the next day or later in the week? This entree makes great leftovers and it’s perfect for meal prep! Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken

If you’re entertaining guests I recommend plating this chicken on a large platter with orange wedges. You can even top with chopped green onions or fresh rosemary. It looks impressive and adds to the whole experience!

Try a side dish like Grilled Zucchini & Squash, Garlic Green Beans, or Spicy Roasted Broccoli. These chicken breasts are also incredible on top of a salad like my Blueberry Citrus Spinach Salad or Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad. If you’d like to add a carb I suggest white rice, brown rice, or my Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes.

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