Grilled chicken gets a tasty twist with a spicy honey bacon glaze that’s both sweet and zesty! The smoky bacon adds a delicious crunch that makes this dish simply irresistible.
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but sneak bites of that crispy bacon. Trust me, pairing it with some fresh veggies makes for a perfect meal—easy and oh-so-yummy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling, as they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, just adjust the cooking time.
Honey: Honey gives a sweet base for the glaze, but you can use maple syrup or agave syrup if you need a different flavor or have dietary restrictions.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative that still delivers a nice texture. Veggie bacon works too if you want a meatless option.
How Can I Make the Glaze Perfectly Balanced?
Crafting the glaze is essential for depth of flavor. The combination of honey’s sweetness and soy sauce’s saltiness creates a lovely balance. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and vinegar in a bowl until smooth.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance; start with less, as you can always add more later.
- Incorporate olive oil for a silky texture that helps the glaze stick.
Brushing the glaze on in the last minutes of grilling helps it caramelize beautifully. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Grilled Chicken With Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for grilling, giving you a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Grill:
First, get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for cooking your chicken. This step is important for getting those great grill marks and a juicy finished product.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
While the grill is heating, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Making the Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Mix well until you have a smooth glaze. This is the star of the dish, bringing a sweet and spicy flavor!
4. Grilling the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to grill the chicken! Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Make sure to check with a meat thermometer if you have one.
5. Adding the Glaze:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the spicy honey glaze generously over the chicken. Let it caramelize for about a minute or two. This will create a beautiful, sticky glaze on the chicken!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and top it with the chopped, crispy bacon. The bacon adds a nice crunch and extra flavor!
7. Serving:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Then, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may need an extra minute or two on the grill, as they typically take longer to cook than breasts. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will give you a similar savory flavor but keep an eye on the sweetness as coconut aminos can be sweeter than regular soy sauce.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spicy honey glaze in advance! Just mix all the ingredients, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, and give it a quick whisk before using. It might taste even better after the flavors meld together!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
