There is something truly magical about the way tangy balsamic vinegar perfectly complements juicy grilled chicken, especially when paired with a sweet and spicy bacon glaze that bursts with flavor. This Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe brings together a symphony of tastes and textures that will excite your palate and impress anyone lucky enough to share this meal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish offers a sensational twist that is both comforting and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a dazzling dish. Each item on this list plays a crucial role—balancing acidity, sweetness, savoriness, and spice—to elevate the chicken to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Chicken breasts: Choose either whole breasts or thick strips for quicker grilling and even flavor absorption.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy depth that tenderizes the chicken and brightens the marinade.
- Olive oil: Brings moisture and helps the marinade cling while promoting juicy, tender meat.
- Brown sugar: Introduces a subtle caramel sweetness which balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- Steak seasoning: Packed with bold spices, it infuses the chicken with a savory punch.
- Bacon: Crisp, smoky goodness that forms the base of the spicy honey glaze.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the glaze, adding sticky allure.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy umami boost that enriches the glaze’s complexity.
- Hot sauce: Just the right amount of heat to contrast and highlight the sweet and savory flavors.
How to Make Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by creating the marinade in a large ziplock bag where you’ll combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, and steak seasoning. The magic happens as these ingredients meld, tenderizing the chicken breasts and infusing them with layers of flavor. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours, or up to 2-3 days if you want even more depth. Patience here pays off big time—your chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors while remaining incredibly juicy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Getting the grill nice and hot is crucial for achieving those gorgeous grill marks while locking in the marinade’s essence. Remember to oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking—this little step ensures your chicken releases easily and cooks evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Next, crisp your bacon slices in a skillet until they’re beautifully golden and crunchy. The bacon’s smoky aroma will start to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the glaze. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces to stir into the glaze.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
Using the pan with leftover bacon fat (no need to wash it out, as it holds amazing flavor), add honey, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Simmer gently over medium heat until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly—then fold in the crumbled bacon. The glaze will thicken further as it cools, mastering that sticky, luscious texture that will coat your grilled chicken delectably.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Discard the marinade after use or, for a bonus, brush it on fresh veggies you want to grill alongside the chicken. The grilling process caramelizes the marinade’s sugars, giving the chicken a beautifully charred and flavorful crust.
Step 6: Serve with the Glaze
Once grilled to perfection, generously brush or drizzle the spicy honey bacon glaze over the chicken. This finishing touch brings together smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite. Prepare to be amazed by the harmony of flavors in this Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe that’s sure to become a fast favorite.
How to Serve Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the glazed chicken to add a pop of green color and a subtle fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the glaze.
Side Dishes
Complement this chicken with vibrant grilled vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, baby bell peppers, or zucchini for color and crunch. For something heartier, baked beans or a creamy mashed potato side can round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a stunning platter by layering the grilled chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or tossed salad. You can even slice the chicken and serve it as a topping on warm flatbreads with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply place the chicken and any extra glaze in an airtight container and refrigerate. These will keep well for 3 to 4 days and make for easy next-day meals bursting with flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the grilled chicken tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to keep the glaze separate if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, basting with additional glaze to restore that sticky, delicious coating. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the chicken’s juicy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe as they tend to stay juicy and flavorful, especially with the bold marinade and glaze. Just adjust grilling time to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, though bacon is central to the glaze’s flavor, you can omit it for a vegetarian alternative by simply making a honey glaze with Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Add some smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
How spicy is the bacon glaze?
The glaze has a balanced heat thanks to the hot sauce, but it’s not overpowering. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your heat preference or even substitute with a milder sauce if desired.
Can this recipe be made indoors?
Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler in the oven works well. Just be sure to watch the chicken closely to avoid burning the glaze’s sugars.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
Marinating for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, but leaving it overnight or up to 3 days in the fridge will result in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration on your plate every time you make it. The combination of tangy marinade, smoky bacon, sweet honey, and just the right kick of heat creates a wonderfully complex taste experience that you’ll want to come back to time and again. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it a favorite at your table too!
Print
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
Balsamic Grilled Chicken with a Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for outdoor grilling. The chicken is marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection and topped with a sweet, spicy, and savory bacon-infused glaze. This recipe delivers a balanced combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors ideal for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts (left whole or cut into thick diagonal strips)
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning
Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large ziplock bag, combine 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 3/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons steak seasoning. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and refrigerate for a few hours to marinate, ideally 2-3 hours or up to 2-3 days for deeper flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice char without drying out.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pan, cook the chopped bacon until it is crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Crumble further if desired.
- Make the Bacon Glaze: Drain the bacon grease from the pan but do not clean it. Add the honey, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the pan. Heat until the mixture bubbles, then stir in the cooked bacon pieces. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly, then remove from heat. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Grill the Chicken: Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. 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 no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken and generously brush or drizzle with the spicy honey bacon glaze. Serve with your choice of grilled vegetables like tomatoes and baby bell peppers, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, but it can be done up to 3 days ahead for a stronger flavor.
- If using salmon instead of chicken, marinate for only 1-2 hours to avoid mushiness and adjust grilling time accordingly.
- Always brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- The glaze thickens as it cools—if it becomes too thick, gently warm it to loosen before serving.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
