If you’re looking for a recipe that’ll make your dinner guests swoon, you’ve got to try this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s one of my absolute favorites because it strikes that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with juicy, tender chicken glazed in a luscious honey butter sauce. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’s going to become your go-to for summer grilling and weeknight meals alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The smoky grilled chicken paired with sweet honey butter creates a flavor you won’t soon forget.
Super Simple to Make: Just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes to dinner – perfect for busy nights or a last-minute cookout.
Juicy and Tender Every Time: Thanks to boneless, skinless thighs or breasts and a great cooking technique, your chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for weeknight family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe uses simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an important role – from seasoning that smoky chicken perfectly to the honey butter glaze that adds sweetness and richness. I always recommend looking for the freshest honey you can find to maximize flavor.

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner cuts.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the honey glaze.
Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes and pairs well with the butter and honey.
Butter: The base for the glaze gives a creamy richness that’s utterly addictive.
Honey: Brings that smooth, sweet glaze that caramelizes slightly on the grill for extra flavor.
Garlic clove (minced): Fresh garlic wakes up the honey butter mixture with a gentle pungency.
Chopped chives: A fresh, mild oniony finish to sprinkle on top once the chicken is plated.

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

Make It Your Way

I love mixing this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe up depending on the season or who’s coming over. It’s very flexible, so feel free to tweak the seasoning or glaze to match your mood or pantry.

Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the seasoning gives it a nice kick that wakes up the sweetness of the honey.
Herb Infusion: Mixing fresh rosemary or thyme into the honey butter sauce adds an aromatic herbiness I adore in cooler months.
Swap the Protein: I’ve even tried turkey breasts or pork chops with this glaze — both turn out delicious!
Make it Keto: Skip the honey and double down on garlic and butter for a low-carb friendly version.

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

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step

Step 1: Heat and Season Perfectly

First things first — get your grill fired up on the highest setting so it’s nice and hot. Meanwhile, season the chicken thighs or breasts generously with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This is where the flavor magic begins. Don’t skimp on seasoning here; it makes a world of difference when the chicken hits the grill.

Step 2: Grill With Care

Place the chicken on the grill grates and let it sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes without moving it — this helps you get those gorgeous grill marks. Flip it and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until it’s almost cooked through but still juicy. Keep a close eye on the heat so it doesn’t char. Patience here rewards you with tender, smoky chicken.

Step 3: Make That Irresistible Honey Butter Glaze

While the chicken grills, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and minced garlic, letting everything bubble and blend for just a couple of minutes — once the butter’s melted, remove it from heat. This warm glaze is like liquid gold for your chicken.

Step 4: Brush, Turn, and Repeat

Bring the honey butter glaze back to the grill and start brushing it generously over the chicken. Flip the pieces and brush again. Repeat this once or twice more while the chicken finishes cooking to build up those gorgeous layers of flavor and shine. It’s like giving your chicken a sweet, buttery hug.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once your chicken is perfectly grilled and glazed, take it off the heat. Give it one last brush of honey butter while it’s still hot, then sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh, colorful finish. I promise, this last touch elevates the dish beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an instant-read thermometer handy — 165°F (74°C) is your target so the chicken stays juicy, not dry.
Use Thighs for More Flavor: I’ve tried both thighs and breasts, and thighs always come out moister and more forgiving on the grill.
Brush Often but Gently: Applying the honey butter glaze multiple times during grilling builds flavor without burning the sugars.
Let the Chicken Rest: A few minutes off the grill before serving helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for freshly chopped chives because their mild oniony punch wonderfully cuts through the sweetness of the honey butter glaze. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a little brightness — both work like a charm.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines with simple, fresh sides. I love pairing it with grilled asparagus or summer corn on the cob for a seasonal feel. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad also complement the richness of the honey butter glaze perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the grilled chicken and fan it out on a platter, drizzling any leftover honey butter sauce over the top. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds a pretty touch that impresses guests without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover grilled honey butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. To prevent the glaze from getting soggy, I sometimes separate the chicken from the sauce and brush some fresh glaze when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the plain grilled chicken without the honey butter glaze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat and brush with freshly made honey butter glaze for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I reheat leftover grilled honey butter chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Then I give it a quick brush of honey butter glaze to freshen up the flavor and finish with a quick broil if I want to crisp up the edges.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but keep a close eye on them while grilling since they cook faster and can dry out. Marinating or brining breasts beforehand helps keep them juicy.
How do I prevent the honey butter glaze from burning on the grill?

Since honey contains sugars, it can burn if the grill is too hot. To avoid this, grill your chicken at a medium-high heat rather than super high, and brush on the glaze toward the end of cooking, applying it multiple times for layers of flavor.
Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey butter ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up gently before brushing on the chicken so it’s pourable and reactivates the flavors.
What sides pair best with this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe?

I recommend fresh grilled veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. The slightly sweet and buttery chicken pairs well with both fresh and hearty sides.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s simple but delivers that wow factor that impresses without stress. I hope you give it a try and find it as addictive and versatile as I do — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or your next backyard gathering. You deserve a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious!