Grilled hot honey chicken with fresh peach salsa is everything you want in a summer dish—sweet, spicy, smoky, and irresistibly delicious. Tender chicken breasts are grilled until perfectly juicy, brushed with a luscious homemade hot honey glaze, and finished with a vibrant peach salsa that adds a burst of freshness in every bite. This recipe strikes the perfect harmony between heat and sweetness, balanced by the bright, tangy crunch of fresh peaches, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that’s perfect for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa
There’s so much to love about this recipe. The combination of smoky grilled chicken with spicy-sweet hot honey sauce creates an unforgettable flavor pairing. Fresh peach salsa adds a refreshing and juicy twist, making this dish feel light yet satisfying. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Olive oil (for brushing)
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Ground cumin
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Salt (to taste)
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Black pepper (to taste)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
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½ cup honey
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Peach Salsa:
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3–4 fresh peaches, diced
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1 jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely diced
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
Step-by-Step: How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa
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Prepare the Peach Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and toss gently until well coated. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the chicken.
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Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and salt. Microwave for 30 seconds to slightly thin the sauce, then stir well and set aside.
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Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
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Season the Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil and generously season with ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
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Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Glaze with Hot Honey: In the last 5 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken with the prepared hot honey sauce for a sticky, flavorful finish.
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Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, top with the fresh peach salsa, and serve with extra hot honey sauce on the side.
Alternative method: If you don’t have a grill, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–22 minutes and brush with hot honey before serving.
Helpful Tips
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Marinate the chicken in olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes for even more flavor.
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Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture in the salsa.
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Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer red pepper flakes or leaving some seeds in the jalapeño.
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Use a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Substitutions and Variations
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Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
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Spice: Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder for a deeper, smoky flavor.
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Fruit: Replace peaches with nectarines or mango for a tropical twist.
Storage Instructions
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Chicken: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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Peach Salsa: Keep the salsa in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa
Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the hot honey sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and warm slightly before use.
Can I use frozen peaches for the salsa?
Fresh peaches are best for texture and flavor, but thawed frozen peaches can work. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing them into the salsa.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F and no higher. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time—bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook through.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa recipe! It’s one of my personal favorites because it’s bursting with flavor while being simple enough for any home cook to make. The sweet heat of the honey glaze paired with the refreshing peach salsa creates a combination that feels truly special. I hope it brings joy and a touch of summer to your table. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa is a flavor-packed summer dish combining smoky grilled chicken, sweet-spicy hot honey glaze, and a refreshing peach salsa. Perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or meal prep—this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil (for brushing)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
½ cup honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
For the Peach Salsa:
3–4 fresh peaches, diced
1 jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
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Prepare the Peach Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and toss gently until well coated. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the chicken.
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Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and salt. Microwave for 30 seconds to slightly thin the sauce, then stir well and set aside.
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Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
-
Season the Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil and generously season with ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
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Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Glaze with Hot Honey: In the last 5 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken with the prepared hot honey sauce for a sticky, flavorful finish.
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Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, top with the fresh peach salsa, and serve with extra hot honey sauce on the side.
Notes
Marinate the chicken in the seasonings for 30 minutes for more flavor.
Substitute peaches with nectarines or mango for a twist.
If you don’t have a grill, bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, then glaze with hot honey before serving.
Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes or leaving seeds in the jalapeño.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g