If you’re craving something sweet, smoky, and downright irresistible, you’re going to love this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together so quickly, and trust me—you’ll find yourself making it again and again. The combo of smoky paprika, garlicky honey butter, and juicy grilled chicken is basically magic on a plate. Come on in, and I’ll share how to nail it perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, great for weeknights or last-minute BBQs.
  • Perfect Balance: The honey butter glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the chicken.
  • Versatile: Works beautifully with thighs or breasts, so you can use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Juicy, flavorful, and delicious—everyone usually asks for seconds!
Grilled Honey Butter Chicken, smoky grilled chicken with honey butter, easy chicken dinner recipes, quick summer grilled chicken, flavorful chicken marinade - A white plate holds six pieces of grilled chicken with a shiny, golden-brown glaze and some black grill marks. The chicken pieces are arranged close together, some resting on top of others. Bright green chopped chives are sprinkled over the chicken and plate, adding a fresh contrast. The background is a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together like a perfect little team—each adding flavor and texture that makes the grilled honey butter chicken sing. Plus, all are easy to find at your grocery store, and you’ll appreciate how straightforward this recipe is when you’re busy.

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken, smoky grilled chicken with honey butter, easy chicken dinner recipes, quick summer grilled chicken, flavorful chicken marinade - Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, a small pile of golden honey drizzled beside a pat of creamy butter, a single clove of garlic finely minced, scattered dried smoked paprika powder, a pinch of garlic powder, fresh green chopped chives delicately sprinkled, and a few grains of kosher salt arranged artistically, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay extra juicy and forgiving on the grill, while breasts are leaner and quicker to cook—your choice!
  • Kosher salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor without competing.
  • Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the grill’s char.
  • Garlic powder: Brings a mellow garlic flavor that blends seamlessly with the honey butter.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, luscious base for the honey glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Honey: The star of the glaze—sweet, sticky, and caramelizes nicely over the heat.
  • Fresh garlic clove (minced): Gives a punch of savory flavor to balance the sweetness.
  • Chopped chives: Fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pretty pop of green to finish the dish.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep things simple but also love messing around with this grilled honey butter chicken recipe to suit different moods or occasions. Don’t be afraid to add a little twist or take it up a notch in your own kitchen.

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes sprinkle a bit of cayenne or chili powder into the spice rub for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze.
  • Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred into the honey butter gives it a lovely aromatic touch.
  • Different Proteins: Tried it with pork chops once and loved how the honey butter elevated the smoky grilled flavor.
  • Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinate the chicken for an hour or two to deepen the flavors before grilling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken With Love

Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and promotes better grill marks. Then, sprinkle kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder evenly over both sides. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key to flavor.

Step 2: Fire Up That Grill

Heat your grill on the highest setting so it’s nice and hot, about 10 minutes should do. This high heat ensures the chicken gets that beautiful char without drying out. Place the chicken on the grill grates, and resist the urge to move it around too much—let those grill marks form!

Step 3: Grill and Glaze Magic

Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in honey and minced garlic. When the butter melts and the mixture starts bubbling, remove from heat—don’t let it boil or the garlic can get bitter.

Grab a brush and slather the honey butter onto the chicken right on the grill. Flip the chicken and brush again. Repeat once or twice more. This layering creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s pure deliciousness.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through—a meat thermometer should read 165°F—pull it off the grill. Brush on a final coat of that honey butter and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for color and a gentle bite. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and get ready to enjoy every juicy, buttery bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Moisture on the chicken keeps it from searing well, so dry it thoroughly for those perfect grill marks.
  • Keep the Grill Hot: Starting on very high heat locks in juices and gives you that beautiful caramelization.
  • Brush With Care: Apply the honey butter glaze off direct heat to avoid burning the sugar, then return chicken to the grill for caramelization.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken without drying it out—165°F is your target.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken, smoky grilled chicken with honey butter, easy chicken dinner recipes, quick summer grilled chicken, flavorful chicken marinade - A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding two main layers. The first layer is a mix of orzo pasta with small pieces of yellow corn and green zucchini, showing a rough texture with some grated cheese sprinkled over it. On top of this layer, there is a second layer of grilled chicken pieces with a shiny, dark brown glaze and grill marks, garnished with small green herbs. A wedge of lemon is placed at the edge of the plate, with two additional lemon slices on the surface nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my grilled honey butter chicken with a generous sprinkle of chopped chives. They add a pop of freshness and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Sometimes I even add a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing—a bright touch that wakes everything up.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with simple, fresh sides like grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For something heartier, I love serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that honey butter goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the chicken sliced alongside a drizzle of extra honey butter and a scatter of edible flowers or microgreens. Serving it on a wooden board with colorful summer veggies makes a gorgeous, rustic presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, if you have leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. I find it keeps well for 3-4 days and reheats nicely without losing moisture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When thawed, you might lose a tiny bit of crispness, but the flavor stays delicious.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftover grilled honey butter chicken gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered loosely with foil, which keeps it juicy without drying out. You can also warm it in a skillet with a little butter to refresh the glaze and add extra flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine for this recipe. They cook faster and are leaner, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer is especially helpful to hit that perfect 165°F internal temperature.

  2. What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make this recipe indoors?

    Yes! You can sear the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat, then finish cooking in the oven. Apply the honey butter glaze as you would on the grill for that sticky, sweet coating.

  3. Can I prepare the honey butter mixture ahead of time?

    You can! Just prepare the honey butter sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before brushing on the chicken to get that perfect consistency for glazing.

  4. How do I prevent the honey butter from burning on the grill?

    Great question! Brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of grilling and apply it away from direct flames. Avoid letting it boil or burn by removing the butter mixture from heat as soon as it bubbles. This keeps the honey luscious—not bitter.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without stressing. It’s just plain delicious and a true crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll make it your own, enjoy the juicy, smoky, sweet bites, and hear those happy “Mmm!” sounds from your family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, then grilled to perfection. Brushed with a luscious honey butter garlic sauce and topped with fresh chives, this dish combines sweet and savory flavors for a delightful meal perfect for summer.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Honey Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Chopped chives for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill, Heat the grill to the highest setting ensuring it is properly heated for perfect searing.
  2. Season chicken, Season the chicken thoroughly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder on all sides for full flavor.
  3. Grill chicken, Place the chicken on the hot grill grates and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side until grill marks form, then turn and grill for another 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Prepare honey butter sauce, While the chicken grills, combine butter, honey, and minced garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture bubbles, then remove from heat.
  5. Brush chicken, Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a brush to apply the honey butter mixture onto the chicken. Turn the chicken on the grill and brush again. Repeat this brushing once or twice more to build layers of glaze.
  6. Serve, Remove the chicken from the grill and brush once more with honey butter sauce. Garnish with chopped chives and serve alongside your favorite summer sides.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for leaner options.
  • Ensure grill is very hot before cooking to achieve nice grill marks and seal in juices.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for chives if preferred.
  • For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke to the honey butter sauce.
  • Adjust honey quantity to taste for sweeter or milder glaze.
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Hi, I’m Ashley Dawson. I share simple, delicious recipes made for real life, from quick weeknight dinners to sweet treats you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s make your kitchen the coziest place in your home.

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