The first time I made honey lemon basil grilled chicken, I was hooked. The balance of sweet honey, vibrant lemon, and aromatic basil is incredible. It’s an ideal recipe for warm-weather grilling or even a special family dinner.

I’ve always been a fan of quick, flavorful meals, and this recipe ticks all the boxes with its simplicity and taste. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a summer favorite just like it did for me.

Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Recipe — Source: carlsbadcravings

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this dish, along with a few tips to ensure your chicken is as delicious as possible:

1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist while grilling.
Zest of 1 lemon: Packed with concentrated citrus flavor to brighten the dish.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Its acidity tenderizes the chicken, making the texture succulent and juicy. Always use fresh lemons; bottled juice just doesn’t give the same zing!
1/3 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and promotes caramelization on the grill for a perfect golden exterior.
1 teaspoon Montreal chicken seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle spiced kick.
6 boneless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are known for their rich flavor and tender, juicy texture. If you’re using chicken breasts instead, be sure to pound them to even thickness for more even cooking.
1/4–1/3 cup fresh basil, chiffonade: The fresh basil rounds off the dish with an herby note. Use a sharp knife to finely slice the leaves for the best results.

Note: This recipe serves 4–6 people. For bigger gatherings, simply double the ingredient quantities.

Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some great variations that you can try out:

Dairy-Free Option: The recipe is already dairy-free, making it a great choice for guests with lactose sensitivities.
Sugar-Free Option: Swap honey for a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit syrup or omit sweeteners altogether for a zingier dish.
Additional Flavors: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the marinade for an extra burst of complexity.
Herb Swaps: Substitute basil with parsley, cilantro, or thyme based on your preference or availability.

For a sweet and spicy twist, you can also enjoy similar recipes like this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe.

Cooking Times

This recipe is quick to whip up and great for last-minute grilling!

Prep Time: 1 hour (includes marinating time)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Equipment You Need

Get these handy tools ready to make your cooking process a breeze:

Glass dish or resealable bag: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly.
Medium-size whisk: Helps blend the marinade smoothly.
Tongs: Essential for flipping chicken on the grill without piercing or losing juices.
Grill or grill pan: For that perfect smoky flavor or char marks.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Make Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken?

Making this dish is a straightforward process. Follow along step by step, and you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken bursting with flavor.

Prepare the Marinade

Whisk the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and Montreal seasoning together in a bowl. Reserve a couple of tablespoons of the marinade for basting during grilling. This reserved portion is a game-changer, as it enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs into a glass dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least an hour (up to overnight) to allow the flavors to soak in.

Preheat the Grill and Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill to medium-high heat. A consistent temperature ensures even cooking and avoids burning the honey in the marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 4–6 minutes on the first side, keeping an eye out for nice grill marks. Flip the chicken and baste with the reserved marinade. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Rest and Garnish

Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a plate. Tent it with foil and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This step is critical for juicy meat. Sprinkle fresh basil chiffonade over the grilled chicken just before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience making this recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks to elevate the end result:

Always marinate the chicken for at least an hour; it makes all the difference in flavor and tenderness.
Avoid turning the chicken too many times on the grill; once or twice is enough to maintain those lovely grill marks.
Pound chicken thighs or breasts to an even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for the best flavor impact.
If you don’t have Montreal seasoning, a mix of garlic powder, salt, and a little black pepper works as an excellent substitute.

If you’re looking for more flavorful chicken dishes, this Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe is another must-try!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken?

Presentation matters, and this dish can truly shine when served right. Arrange the grilled chicken on a large platter and garnish with extra basil ribbons or a few lemon slices for pops of color. Pair it with grilled vegetables, fluffy white rice, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it to another level of elegance.

Nutritional Information

Calories	388
Protein	19g
Carbohydrates	17g
Fat	28g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is as practical as it is flavorful, with some excellent storage options:

Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken a day before grilling to save prep time.
Storing: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Grilled chicken freezes well for up to 1 month. Freeze the pieces individually to retain their texture.
Reheating: Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. A teaspoon of chicken broth will keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There’s so much to love about this honey lemon basil grilled chicken recipe. Here’s why:

Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
Versatile: Works equally well for salads, wraps, or as a standalone dish.
Diet-friendly: Can be modified for various diets like keto or gluten-free.
Fresh and light: Citrus and basil give it a summer-appropriate, refreshing taste.
Flexible: Easily adapted with alternative herbs and spices to suit your palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Cooking grilled chicken can be tricky. To prevent common errors, keep the following in mind:

Skipping the marinade: This mistake can lead to flavorless chicken. Always marinate your chicken!
Overcooking: Once the internal temperature hits 165°F, remove the chicken to avoid dryness.
Not letting the chicken rest: Slicing the chicken immediately after cooking makes the juices escape. Resting ensures every bite is juicy.
Using stale basil: Fresh basil makes a world of difference in flavor, so avoid using wilted leaves.

Honey lemon basil grilled chicken is a recipe that hits all the right notes, from its zesty marinade to its perfectly grilled texture. Give it a try this grill season—I promise it’ll be an instant hit! If you enjoy hearty meals like this, you can also explore other chicken recipes for more inspiration.

Ash Tyrrell