Can I make hot honey grilled chicken in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a char similar to grilling, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Is there a way to make this hot honey grilled chicken recipe less spicy for kids?

Yes! Reduce the hot sauce to 1 teaspoon and eliminate the cayenne pepper. The honey will still provide wonderful flavor without the heat. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side for adults who want more kick.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Definitely. Chicken breasts work wonderfully but cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time to about 5-6 minutes per side and be vigilant with your meat thermometer—remove them from heat as soon as they reach 165°F.

How can I tell when my hot honey grilled chicken is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is the most reliable method, you can also make a small cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque all the way through with no pink remaining.

Can I make the hot honey marinade ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. This makes weeknight cooking even faster—just pour it over chicken the night before or morning of your planned dinner.

Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Recipes That Will Wow Your Taste Buds 2025

Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Recipes That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Print Recipe

This Hot Honey Grilled Chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet heat and smoky char. With pantry staples and a quick marinade, it’s an easy dinner win whether you’re grilling for the family or entertaining friends.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (Sriracha, Frank’s, or Tabasco)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Reserve 1/4 cup for basting.
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or dish and coat with the remaining marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill chicken 5-7 minutes per side, until internal temp is 165°F (breasts) or 175°F (thighs). Baste with reserved marinade during the last few minutes.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with lime juice and garnish with cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

To make it less spicy for kids, reduce hot sauce and omit cayenne. Works great with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Leftovers are perfect for wraps, salads, or tacos.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 385
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: hot honey chicken, grilled chicken recipe, spicy sweet chicken, summer grilling, easy chicken marinade

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/hot-honey-grilled-chicken/