Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken with Hawaiian Sea Salt

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a bright citrus-honey glaze balanced with a touch of Hawaiian sea salt for a tropical-inspired flavor. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper until well combined and syrupy.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag, pour the citrus-honey marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a plate, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken with Hawaiian Sea Salt take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken with Hawaiian Sea Salt?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken with Hawaiian Sea Salt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken with Hawaiian Sea Salt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken with Hawaiian Sea Salt?

Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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