Grilled spicy honey garlic chicken that’s a perfect balance of sweet heat, just the way I like it. Trust me, this chicken will be your go-to grilling recipe.
Grilled Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Grilling this spicy honey garlic chicken has become one of my favorite ways to cook outdoors. It’s the kind of recipe that just works every time, whether you’re using charcoal, gas, or even an electric grill. Plus, it’s got that sweet and spicy balance that always hits the spot.
Sure, you could make it in the oven, but there’s something about grilling it outside that really brings out the flavor. I’ve found myself making this chicken on repeat all summer long.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Big flavor, simple prep.
- Crispy skin with real heat.
- Juicy every single time.
Ingredients
Get ready to raid your pantry, this one turns simple staples into something seriously good.
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks – Dark meat stays juicy on the grill. Those big value packs work perfectly.
- Sriracha hot sauce – Brings the heat.
- Rice vinegar – Adds tang to balance the sweetness.
- Honey – For that sticky, caramelized finish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – Deep, salty basefor the marinade.
- Sesame seeds – A quick sprinkle for texture.
- Green onion and cilantro – Use both or whichever fresh herb you’ve got.
- Garlic – Fresh is best for that punched up flavor.
- Red pepper flakes – A little extra heat.
- Salt – Always.
The garlic, honey and soy trio powerhouse can also be found in my slow cooker honey-soy pulled pork if you’re looking for an indoor recipe option.
How to Make Grilled Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.
- Step One (mix the marinade)
Grab a large bowl and whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Make sure it’s big enough to hold the chicken once everything’s coated. - Step Two (marinate the chicken)
Add the chicken and toss it well so every piece gets covered. Let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours , overnight if you want that full honey-garlic flavor to really sink in. The honey, garlic and soy flavors will really come through, just like it does in my sticky baked honey garlic chicken wings and my Mongolian beef noodles. - Step Three (grill it up)
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Once the chicken hits the grates, lower the heat to medium and close the lid. Flip it just once, that’s how you keep the outside caramelized without drying it out. Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C). - Step Four (finish and serve)
Take it off the grill, rest it a few minutes, then top with sesame seeds or green onions if you’re feeling fancy. The heat, the sweet, the char, it’s all there.
Recipe Tips
A few things to make this grilled honey garlic chicken turn out right every time.
- Let the chicken marinate at least two hours, but five or six gives the best flavor and texture. Twelve is fine if you need the extra time.
- Give each piece space on the grill so it cooks evenly and gets those grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer and pull it off at 165°F (74°C) for juicy results.
- Rest the chicken a few minutes before slicing so the juices settle back in.
- If you’re cooking inside, bake it at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 45 to 50 minutes, until fully cooked.
Storage and Freezing
Here’s how to keep your spicy honey garlic chicken tasting great later.
- Store: Let it cool first, then seal it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil so it stays juicy. The microwave works too, just go slow so it doesn’t dry out.
- Freeze: If you’re saving it longer, freeze it in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Slice or shred it first so it’s easy to reheat.
- Thaw: Move it to the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES
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Grilled Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Grilled spicy honey garlic chicken that's a perfect balance of sweet heat, just the way I like it. Trust me, this chicken will be your go-to grilling recipe.
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 588kcal
Ingredients
- 6 tbsps honey
- 3 tbsps sriracha
- 3 tbsps rice vinegar
- 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 4 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs
Optional Garnishes:
- green onion, sliced
- cilantro leaves, fresh
- toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.6 tbsps honey, 3 tbsps sriracha, 3 tbsps rice vinegar, 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce, 5 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp table salt
- Add chicken to the marinade and toss well to coat.4 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours, but up to 12 hours.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken on the hot grill and immediately turn the temperature down to medium. Cover the grill and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, flipping once. It should register 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the meat not touching a bone. (This usually takes about 10 minutes per side over medium heat with the grill closed.)
- Remove chicken from the grill and serve with any garnishes you prefer.green onion, sliced, cilantro leaves, fresh, toasted sesame seeds
Notes
For optimal outcomes when making this grilled spicy honey garlic chicken, I recommended referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.
The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Amount Per Serving (175 g)
Calories 588
Calories from Fat 238
% Daily Value*
Fat 26.4g41%
Saturated Fat 6.9g43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 10.1g
Cholesterol 204.4mg68%
Sodium 515.8mg22%
Potassium 450.9mg13%
Carbohydrates 19.5g7%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 18.1g20%
Protein 66.3g133%
Vitamin C 9.8mg12%
Calcium 7.7mg1%
Iron 7.4mg41%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Wendy Hueter says
Wanted to ask if you could use other chicken cuts, like chicken breasts instead of legs and thighs? my family isn’t too crazy about chicken on the bone.
Cathy says
Yes you absolutely can.