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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with a kick of heat, the Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet experience by soaking them in a rich balsamic marinade and finishing with a sticky, spicy honey bacon glaze that’s bursting with smoky goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for barbecue nights, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to impress yourself with effortless flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color without complicating the process. From the deep tang of balsamic vinegar to the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, these essentials work together to make this recipe a standout favorite.
- 4 chicken breasts: Use whole for juicy, tender bites or slice into thick strips to speed up grilling and get more glaze coverage.
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a beautifully balanced acidity, perfect for tenderizing and flavoring the chicken.
- 3/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil): Provides moisture and richness, helping the marinade penetrate deeply.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang and spice.
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a savory, robust background to the marinade.
- 6 slices bacon (chopped): Crispy, smoky bacon pieces deliver a luscious texture and flavor twist to the glaze.
- 3/4 cup honey: Sweet and sticky, honey helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami depth that makes the glaze rich and irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s): Gives a spicy kick that wakes up the entire dish without overpowering it.
How to Make Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by creating the flavor base: combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, and steak seasoning inside a large ziplock bag. Toss in the chicken breasts and seal it shut. Refrigerate for a few hours to let those bold flavors soak in deeply. If you’re prepping ahead, chicken can marinate up to 2-3 days. This step is crucial because the vinegar tenderizes the meat, while the sugar and seasoning infuse a perfect sweet-savory balance.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill going on medium-high heat to prepare for the perfect sear. This temperature is ideal for locking in juiciness while developing beautiful grill marks that add to the flavor and presentation of your dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon Glaze
Cook your chopped bacon in a large pan over medium heat until it’s irresistibly crispy, then transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This crispy bacon brings that smoky, crunchy texture that will completely steal the show when mixed into the glaze.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
Don’t clean the bacon pan—leave the flavorful drippings behind! Add the honey, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the pan and let everything bubble gently. Once lively and concentrated, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens slightly. As it cools, it will become perfectly sticky, ready to coat your grilled chicken with a luscious finish.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Oil your grill grates to prevent sticking, then place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for 2 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside. The result: a juicy, flavorful piece of chicken that’s tender on the inside with a slight char on the outside. If you have leftover marinade, discard it or use it sparingly on other grilled veggies for an added touch of flavor.
Step 6: Serve with the Bacon Glaze
Serve your beautifully grilled chicken breast topped generously with the spicy honey bacon glaze. This finishing touch offers a sticky, smoky sweetness with just the right amount of heat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side can be squeezed on top to brighten the bold flavors, making each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple grilled vegetables like juicy tomatoes, tender baby bell peppers, or charred asparagus. For something heartier, baked beans or a creamy mashed potato are perfect companions that complement each bite of this sweet and spicy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken strip-style and serve on a platter as a finger food with dipping sauce made from the glaze. Or pile it on a warm crusty roll with crisp lettuce and tomato for a memorable sandwich that’s perfect for weekend lunches or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken with the bacon glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the glaze if possible to maintain the best texture of the chicken.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Place grilled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag with a portion of the glaze on the side. Freeze for up to 2 months for an easy, flavorful meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little glaze to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness; a quick sear in a pan works best to bring back that freshly grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe because they stay extra juicy and absorb the marinade beautifully. Just adjust grilling time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is the honey bacon glaze?
The glaze has a noticeable but balanced level of heat thanks to the hot sauce. If you prefer milder, simply reduce or omit the hot sauce for a sweeter, less spicy glaze.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
You can! Cooking the chicken in a hot cast iron skillet or under a broiler works well too. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the chicken and use the glaze the same way for that sticky finish.
Is the marinade safe to use as a basting sauce?
Since the marinade contains raw chicken juices, it’s best not to use it directly as a basting sauce. Instead, discard it or boil it thoroughly if you want to use it on veggies or for extra flavor.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the spicy honey bacon glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving to bring back its luscious, sticky texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that combines bold flavors, a touch of heat, and gourmet charm with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, this Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for impressing friends or adding excitement to your weeknight dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will one of those favorites you’ll want to make again and again.
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Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze is a luscious, flavorful dish perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. Marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture and grilled to juicy perfection, the chicken is topped with a sweet and spicy glaze made from crisp bacon, honey, and hot sauce. Serve with grilled vegetables or your favorite sides for a delightful feast.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts (left whole or cut into thick strips diagonally)
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning
For the Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken: In a large ziplock bag, combine 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 3/4 cup oil, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons steak seasoning. Add the chicken breasts ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a few hours or up to 2-3 days for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon onto a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool. Once cooled, crumble if not already chopped.
- Make the Glaze: Drain most of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving a small amount to flavor the glaze. Add the honey, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the pan. Let the mixture bubble gently over medium heat, then stir in the cooked bacon. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly, then remove from heat. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is no longer pink inside.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken and spoon the spicy honey bacon glaze on top. Pair with grilled vegetables such as tomatoes and baby bell peppers or sides like baked beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours for best flavor, but up to 3 days is ideal.
- If using salmon instead of chicken, grill for only 1-2 hours marinating and adjust grilling time accordingly.
- Be sure to brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- The glaze will thicken further as it cools; rewarm gently if needed before serving.
- Steak seasoning can be substituted with your favorite poultry seasoning blend.
