Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy and mouthwatering Grilled Honey Butter Chicken this summer. Seasoned with a medley of spices, this delectable dish is grilled to perfection, creating a smoky and irresistible flavor. As you savor each bite, you’ll be delighted by the sweet and savory glaze made from the heavenly combination of garlic, honey, and butter. To complete this flavor-packed meal, pair it with a refreshing zucchini and corn orzo salad. And the best part? Leftovers can be repurposed into a range of other delicious chicken dishes. Get ready to indulge in this ultimate summer treat!
Ingredients
To make Grilled Honey Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are the star of this dish. They are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for grilling.
Spices
To season the chicken thighs, you will need a blend of your favorite spices. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Garlic
Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish. You will need to chop the garlic finely to incorporate it into the honey butter mixture.
Honey
Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the chicken. It also helps to create a delicious caramelized glaze on the chicken while grilling.
Butter
Butter is melted and mixed with honey and garlic to create a rich and flavorful basting mixture. It adds a creamy and indulgent element to the dish.
Marinating the Chicken
Before grilling the chicken, it is important to marinate it to infuse it with flavor. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken thighs:
Preparing the chicken thighs
Start by ensuring that the chicken thighs are clean and trimmed of any excess fat. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
Mixing the spices
In a small bowl, mix together the spices. You can adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences. This spice blend will be used to coat the chicken thighs.
Coating the chicken with the spice mixture
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring that they are evenly coated. This will add flavor to every bite.
Marinating the chicken thighs
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a marinating container. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.
Preparing the Honey Butter Mixture
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the honey butter mixture that will be used to baste the chicken while grilling.
Chopping the garlic
Take the garlic cloves and finely chop them. You want small pieces of garlic that will evenly distribute the flavor throughout the honey butter mixture.
Melting the butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it is completely melted and smooth. This will serve as the base for the honey butter mixture.
Adding honey and garlic to the melted butter
Once the butter is melted, add the chopped garlic and honey to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Grilling the Chicken
Now that the chicken is marinated and the honey butter mixture is prepared, it’s time to grill the chicken thighs to perfection.
Preheating the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
Grilling the chicken thighs
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs.
Basting with Honey Butter
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the honey butter mixture onto the chicken thighs. This will create a flavorful glaze and add an extra layer of richness to the chicken.
Cooking Tips
To ensure that your Grilled Honey Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful cooking tips:
Using a meat thermometer
To determine if the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thighs, making sure not to touch the bone. The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
Grilling time and temperature
Grilling times may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of the chicken thighs. It’s important to keep an eye on the chicken and adjust the heat as needed. Aim for a medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear on the outside while maintaining a juicy interior.
Resting the chicken before serving
After grilling, allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Honey Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
Zucchini and corn orzo salad
Serve the Grilled Honey Butter Chicken alongside a refreshing zucchini and corn orzo salad. This light and flavorful salad will complement the richness of the chicken.
Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables make a great addition to the meal. Try grilling some zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to create a vibrant and colorful side dish.
Mashed potatoes
For a comforting and indulgent option, serve the Grilled Honey Butter Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery and garlicky flavors of the chicken will harmonize beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
Storing and Reusing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry! Grilled Honey Butter Chicken can be enjoyed in other dishes or stored for later use.
Properly storing leftover chicken
To store leftover Grilled Honey Butter Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before storing it.
Utilizing leftovers in other dishes
Leftover chicken can be used in a variety of dishes. Dice it and add it to a salad, make a chicken sandwich or wrap, or use it as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Variations
If you’re looking to change up the flavors of your Grilled Honey Butter Chicken, here are two delicious variations to consider:
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken
For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the honey butter mixture. This will give your chicken a spicy twist while still maintaining the sweet and savory balance.
Citrus Honey Butter Chicken
To add a burst of freshness to your dish, squeeze some lemon or lime juice into the honey butter mixture. The citrus flavors will brighten up the chicken and provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
Conclusion
Grilled Honey Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken with the richness of honey and butter. The spices add depth and complexity, while the glaze created from the honey butter mixture caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Serve it with zucchini and corn orzo salad, grilled vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to take advantage of the leftovers by incorporating them into other dishes. Whether you choose to make it spicy or citrusy, you’re sure to enjoy the delectable flavors of Grilled Honey Butter Chicken. So fire up the grill and get ready to savor this mouthwatering dish!
