This grilled chicken is juicy and tender, topped with a sweet and spicy honey bacon glaze. It’s perfect for a barbecue or a cozy dinner at home!
Who can resist bacon and honey together? I always make extra glaze so I can drizzle it on everything! It’s so easy to whip up, making weeknight meals extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish quick and easy. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. They work beautifully with the glaze, too!
Bacon: Regular bacon adds smoky flavor, but turkey bacon is a lighter option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different.
Honey: This is crucial for that sweet glaze. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup can work as a substitute, providing its unique flavor, but adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
Hot Sauce: I love using sriracha for a nice kick, but any hot sauce you enjoy will do. If you’re not a fan of spice, try reducing the amount or leaving it out entirely.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess to the glaze. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or fresh lemon juice can be used instead. They’ll offer a similar bright note!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked pieces every time! Here’s how:
- Preheat the grill well. A hot grill helps achieve those nice grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Season the chicken right before grilling. This helps enhance the flavor without drawing out moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying it out.
- Let it rest after grilling! This allows the juices to redistribute inside for a moister bite.
With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your perfectly grilled chicken. Enjoy serving it topped with that delicious spicy honey bacon glaze!
Easy Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice grill marks.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the grill is heating, take your chicken breasts and lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. Feel free to be generous with the seasoning for extra flavor!
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook it until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the bacon pieces from the skillet and set them aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pan; it will add flavor to the glaze.
4. Make the Glaze:
Now, to the bacon fat, add the honey, hot sauce (to your spice preference), and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens up a bit. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
5. Combine Bacon and Glaze:
Once the glaze has thickened, add the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet. Stir well to coat the bacon in the glaze. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Grill the Chicken:
Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil to help prevent sticking, and place them on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Add the Glaze:
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the spicy honey bacon glaze generously over the chicken. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and create a delicious crust!
8. Rest and Serve:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help keep it juicy! Serve your chicken drizzled with any extra glaze from the pan, and enjoy the wonderful combination of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors!
Enjoy this delightful dish with a side of your favorite veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will be even juicier. Just adjust the grill time slightly, cooking them for about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Hot Sauce?
If you’re out of hot sauce, you can substitute it with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Alternatively, omit it completely for a milder glaze!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a splash of water to keep it moist!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance! Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready to use, reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, and give it a stir to combine before brushing it on the chicken.
