This tasty grilled chicken is covered in a sweet and spicy honey bacon glaze that takes boring chicken to the next level. It’s juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the grilling time since thighs take a little longer to cook through.
Bacon: The bacon adds a smoky crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative, though it won’t be as crispy. You could also skip it altogether and use liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Honey: This gives the glaze its sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a different flavor, or if you need a vegan option.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust this to your spice preference! If you prefer less heat, try paprika alone. For more spice, consider red pepper flakes or a hot sauce infused into the glaze.
How Do I Get Juicy Grilled Chicken Every Time?
To make sure your chicken is juicy and tender, focus on cooking it just right. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your grill! This helps to sear the chicken and keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
With these simple steps, your grilled chicken will be very flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked every time! Enjoy!
Easy Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes to have a delicious dinner ready to serve. Quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This step is super important to get that perfect sear on your chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the grill heats up, take the chicken breasts and season them generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor right into the meat!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a bit, but keep them warm.
4. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, scoop out the bacon pieces and leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan—this will flavor your glaze!
5. Prepare the Glaze:
Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
6. Make it Sweet and Spicy:
Stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
7. Combine with Bacon:
Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the glaze, stirring well to make sure everything is coated. This is where the magic happens!
8. Glaze the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to spoon that yummy spicy honey bacon glaze generously over your grilled chicken breasts. Make sure they’re well coated in that sweet and savory goodness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious grilled chicken immediately, with any extra glaze drizzled on top. This dish goes perfectly with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad by the side. Enjoy your meal!
With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dish that’s flavorful, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Happy grilling!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the desired internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make the Glaze Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder glaze, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also balance the heat by adding a bit more honey for sweetness.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the glaze gently on the stove before drizzling it over the grilled chicken.
What Are the Best Sides to Serve with This Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or even rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with some buttery corn on the cob for a delicious summer meal!
