Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken (Printable Version)

Juicy, sweet-glazed chicken thighs grilled to perfection with honey and garlic flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, approximately 2 pounds
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Marinade

04 - ⅓ cup honey
05 - ¼ cup soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
12 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully incorporated.
03 - Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor development.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Transfer reserved marinade to a small saucepan for later use.
06 - Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 6 to 7 minutes, or until deeply browned and internal temperature reaches 175°F.
07 - While chicken grills, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in the saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened, ensuring food safety.
08 - During the final 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, brush the reduced marinade over the chicken using a basting brush to create a sticky glaze.
09 - Transfer chicken to a serving platter and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Grilling creates a crispy, caramelized skin while locking in juicy tenderness.
  • Quick preparation and marinating time fit well into any weeknight or weekend meal plan.
  • Optional spices allow you to customize heat and smokiness.
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free, suitable for many dietary preferences.
02 -
  • Use a grill thermometer to maintain consistent medium-high heat around 400°F (200°C).
  • Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking and preserve the marinade glaze.
  • Reserve marinade and always boil it before brushing on to ensure food safety.
  • Let excess marinade drip off the chicken to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfect internal temperature—175°F (80°C) ensures tender, fully cooked thighs.
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