I still remember my first summer grilling session as a dad. The smell of charcoal filled the air, skewers clinked against the grill, and my six-year-old asked for sauce on everything. That night I discovered hot honey grilled chicken, a sticky and spicy glaze that made simple chicken thighs feel like a backyard celebration. From then on, this recipe became my signature dish for family cookouts and quick weeknight meals.
If you want bold flavor without extra fuss, this hot honey grilled chicken recipe is exactly what your grill needs. In this guide you will learn what makes it irresistible, how to prepare the glaze and marinade, the best grilling techniques, and variations that keep things fun.
Why Hot Honey Grilled Chicken is Irresistible
Sweet and Spicy Flavor That Sticks
The appeal of grilled hot honey chicken is all in the glaze. Honey delivers sweetness while hot sauce or chili flakes add heat. On the grill, this mixture caramelizes into a golden crust that clings to the chicken.
Each bite combines smoky char with a sweet and spicy kick. The flavor is bold enough for spice lovers but still balanced so everyone at the table can enjoy it.
Best Chicken Cuts for Grilling with Hot Honey
Different cuts handle heat and glaze in unique ways. Here are the best options:
- Boneless, skinless thighs
These are my favorite. They stay juicy, absorb the marinade well, and cook evenly. - Chicken breasts
Leaner but trickier. Pound or butterfly them to ensure even cooking. - Bone in thighs or drumsticks
Packed with flavor but they need careful temperature control so the inside cooks fully. - Chicken tenders or cutlets
Quick to grill and perfect for making a hot honey grilled chicken sandwich.
Choose the cut that fits your needs, then adjust grilling time accordingly.
Hot Honey Grilled Chicken with Corn Salad
Equipment
- grill
- glass dish or resealable bag
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- tongs
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 ears sweet corn, kernels cut from the cob
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a glass dish or resealable bag.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, hot honey, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour marinade over the chicken and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Grill chicken for 5 minutes on one side, flip, then cook 5–6 minutes more until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Remove from grill and let rest 5–10 minutes. Drizzle with extra hot honey before serving.
- For corn salad: combine corn, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk sour cream, lime juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Stir into corn mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve chicken with corn salad on the side.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
- Apply glaze in the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning.
- Adjust spice by adding more or fewer chili flakes or hot honey.
Ingredients and Hot Honey Sauce Preparation
How to Make Hot Honey Glaze for Chicken
A flavorful glaze begins with fresh ingredients. Lemon juice and zest brighten the honey. Garlic and olive oil add depth. Quality hot honey brings the heat.
To prepare:
- In a small saucepan, combine hot honey, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently and stir until slightly thickened. If too strong, thin with a splash of water.
Reserve part of this glaze for brushing on the grill and extra for drizzling at the end.
Marinade and Prep Tips for Juicy Hot Honey Chicken
Marinating adds flavor and moisture. Place chicken in a glass dish or bag, then whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, zest, hot honey, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the chicken and coat well.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. Let chicken rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before grilling. Pat dry lightly to avoid steaming.
Sprinkle a pinch of seasoning such as smoked paprika or chili powder before grilling for even more flavor.
How to Grill Hot Honey Chicken Perfectly
Heat Control for Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Balance is key. On a gas grill, set one side to medium-high and leave the other on low. With charcoal, pile coals to one side. Start chicken on the cooler side to cook through, then move it to the hot side to caramelize the glaze.
Check internal temperature with a thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. Tenders take only 6 to 8 minutes. Bone in pieces need extra time on indirect heat before crisping over direct heat.
This approach also works for wings or a grilled hot honey chicken sandwich when served on buttered buns.
Basting and Glazing Techniques with Hot Honey
Apply glaze only during the final minutes to prevent burning. Brush on a thin coat, flip once, then brush again.
Always keep extra glaze separate from raw chicken. Drizzle it over the finished meat as it rests for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting keeps juices inside and enhances tenderness.
Layering is the secret. Use a marinade for the base, glaze near the end, then drizzle at the table. This three-step method gives grilled hot honey chicken its signature depth.
Serving Ideas, Variations, and Fixes
What to Serve with Hot Honey Grilled Chicken
Since the chicken is bold, refreshing sides balance it perfectly. Try these ideas:
- Corn salad with lime and cilantro
Sweet corn and citrus cool down the spice. - Crisp slaw or cucumber salad
These add crunch and freshness. - Grilled vegetables
Zucchini, peppers, or asparagus pick up smoky flavor. - Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
These soak up extra glaze and make the meal heartier.
For sandwiches, toast brioche buns and add pickles for a tangy bite.
Variations and Troubleshooting for Hot Honey Chicken
This recipe adapts easily.
- Wings
Turn thighs into wings for grilled crispy hot honey chicken wings, great for game day. - Tenders
Make sliders or wraps with fast-cooking tenders. - Flavor twists
Add soy sauce for depth, or rice vinegar for tang.
Common problems are easy to fix. If the glaze burns, apply it late in grilling. If chicken dries out, reduce the heat and marinate longer. For more spice, stir in red pepper flakes or chili oil. For less heat, mix honey with orange juice.
Nutrition Facts for Hot Honey Chicken
Here are approximate values per serving with corn salad included:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Sodium | 460 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Chicken
Can I bake hot honey chicken instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Brush with glaze in the last 5 minutes, then drizzle before serving.
What is the best way to make homemade hot honey?
Simmer honey with red pepper flakes or sliced chiles for 5 minutes. Strain for a smooth finish. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I use hot honey on other meats or vegetables?
Yes. Try it on salmon, shrimp, pork, or vegetables like zucchini and corn. It also works on pizza or roasted Brussels sprouts.
How do I keep chicken from drying out on the grill?
Marinate at least 30 minutes, grill over medium heat, and pull the chicken at 165°F. Rest it for 5 minutes before slicing.
There is a reason hot honey grilled chicken has become a staple in my kitchen. The glaze clings with just the right mix of sweet and spicy, the grill adds smoky char, and the variations keep it exciting. With simple prep, controlled heat, and last-minute basting, you get chicken that is juicy, flavorful, and hard to resist.
Try this recipe with fresh corn salad on the side. It is bold, simple, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.
The char on that chicken looks incredible! Paired with the corn, this is such a fresh and flavorful combo. Definitely saving this idea for dinner 😍