If you’re craving something that’s sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible, you’ve got to try this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. This isn’t just any grilled chicken—it’s juicy, flavorful, and glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers and asking for seconds. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for summer cookouts or any night you want a simple, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Harmony: The honey butter glaze perfectly balances rich butter flavor with a touch of sweetness that enhances the smoky grilled chicken.
Easy and Quick: You can have this on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute grill sessions.
Juicy and Tender: Using boneless skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy, while the seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor.
Versatility: This grilled honey butter chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides and garnishes, making it great for any occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe plays a distinct role, creating a simple but flavor-packed dish. A quick shopping note: choosing quality butter and fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference here.

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicy and tender during grilling, but breasts work well if you want a leaner option.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color that complements the grill’s char perfectly.
Garlic powder: Provides a mellow depth of garlic flavor that works with the fresh garlic in the butter sauce.
Butter: Creates the creamy base of the glaze, melting beautifully with honey for that rich coating.
Honey: The star of the glaze’s sweetness—look for raw or pure honey for best flavor.
Garlic clove (minced): Fresh garlic brings brightness and aromatic punch to the honey butter sauce.
Chopped chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion note and a pop of green color for a pretty finish.

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

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste. I encourage you to experiment a little with seasoning or sauces to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the honey sweetness—I tried this once and it was a game changer.
Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme into the honey butter sauce while it’s melting for an aromatic twist.
Lean Option: Use chicken breasts if you prefer less fat, just be mindful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
Oven Alternative: No grill? No problem! You can roast the chicken under the broiler, brushing on the honey butter in the last few minutes for a nice glaze.

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

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry—you’ll get much better sear and caramelization that way. Then sprinkle kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder evenly over both sides. This simple seasoning builds a smoky, savory foundation that pairs beautifully with the honey butter glaze later. I usually press the spices in with my hands to make sure they stick.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Set your grill to the highest setting and let it get really hot—that’s the secret to those gorgeous grill marks and juicy meat. I use a gas grill, but charcoal works just as well and adds an extra layer of smoky flavor. Just make sure the chicken isn’t sitting directly over flames that could cause flare-ups.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the hot grates and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side without moving it—that’s how you get those beautiful grill lines. Flip it over and grill another 5 to 6 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy. I find using a meat thermometer helps—you want it around 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

While the chicken is grilling, melt the butter with honey and minced garlic in a small pan over medium heat. Let it bubble gently until the butter’s melted and the garlic softens—this takes just a couple of minutes. Remove the glaze from heat before it browns or burns; you want silky, golden sauce without bitterness.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish on the Grill

Take the pan to the grill and generously brush the honey butter over the chicken. Flip, brush again, and repeat this once or twice to build that shiny, sticky glaze layer. This step is when the magic happens—the heat caramelizes the honey and creates that irresistible sticky coating.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is beautifully glazed and cooked through, remove it from the grill and brush with more honey butter while it rests. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of vibrant green color. Serve warm and get ready for everyone to rave.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Pat Dry the Chicken: Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and encourages a nice sear.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This prevents overcooking and guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time.
Brush the Glaze Off Heat: Keep the honey butter warm but off direct heat to avoid burning the sugars, which can turn bitter.
Let It Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices before slicing or serving.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my grilled honey butter chicken with freshly chopped chives—it adds just the right fresh pop that balances the rich glaze. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed or thin lemon zest strips for extra aroma and color. These simple touches turn a great dish into something special.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines alongside grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini, fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp summer salad. Rice pilaf or a simple quinoa salad with herbs also work beautifully. When summer rolls around, I love pairing it with grilled corn on the cob for a full BBQ feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Grilled Honey Butter Chicken on a platter layered with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and edible flowers. It makes the meal feel festive and elegant. Another fun idea is cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serving with toothpicks for an easy appetizer at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftover grilled honey butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually eat mine within 3 days to keep that fresh flavor and juicy texture. Reheating gently is key—skip the microwave if you can.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, this chicken freezes well. Wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It’s perfect for quick meals later—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating the chicken on a low oven setting or in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. This method helps maintain the glaze’s texture and prevents drying out. If you must microwave, do it in short bursts and check often.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster than thighs. Using a meat thermometer to pull them off the grill once they hit about 165°F helps keep them juicy.
How do I prevent the honey butter glaze from burning on the grill?

Honey has natural sugars that can burn easily, so it’s best to brush the glaze onto the chicken in stages rather than letting it cook directly in a pan over high heat for long periods. Also, keep the glaze warm but off direct flames, and apply the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning.
Can I prepare the honey butter sauce in advance?

You can definitely make the honey butter sauce ahead of time and warm it gently before using. Just be sure to reheat it slowly to avoid burning the sugars. Freshly minced garlic added right before brushing keeps the flavor bright.
What sides pair best with grilled honey butter chicken?

Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, mashed potatoes, or even a simple rice dish all complement this chicken wonderfully. I especially love serving it with grilled corn and a fresh cucumber salad on warm days.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Honey Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to make yet feels indulgent and special at the same time. Whether you’re firing up the grill for family dinner or hosting friends, I know you’ll enjoy the sweet-savory balance and juicy tenderness. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll be a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—just like I do!