Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe brings a burst of flavor to your table with minimal prep and maximum taste. In just 10 minutes of prep, a quick 15 minutes of cooking, and a flavorful marinating time of up to 4 hours, you’ll achieve tender, juicy chicken that bursts with sweet and tangy goodness. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to please. The rich honey and balsamic blend perfectly, making every bite unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe:

• Unbeatable flavor: The honey-balsamic glaze strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Super tender chicken: Marinating up to 4 hours ensures juicy, succulent breasts.
• Quick and fuss-free prep: Ready in 10 minutes—perfect for busy schedules.
• Grill-friendly: Ideal for outdoor grilling or indoor grill pans.
• Versatile serving options: Pair with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a side of rice.

Ingredients

Chicken Seasoning

• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¾ tsp onion powder
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Honey Balsamic Marinade

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp minced fresh garlic

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken

1. Season the Chicken

1. In a resealable plastic bag or bowl, combine 1 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika, and ¾ tsp onion powder.
2. Add the 2 lbs chicken breasts. Seal and toss to evenly coat.

2. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp minced garlic until smooth.
2. Split the marinade in half—pour one half into the chicken bag and refrigerate the other half in a sealed container.

3. Marinate

1. Shake the bag so every chicken piece is coated.
2. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.

4. Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat the grill to medium‑high heat (about 375–400°F/190–205°C).
2. Remove chicken from the bag, discard the used marinade.
3. Cook the chicken on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Finish and Serve

1. While the chicken cooks, warm the reserved marinade in the microwave (30–45 seconds) or on the stove until it simmers slightly.
2. As soon as the chicken is done, brush or drizzle the warm glaze on top.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Helpful Tips

• Even cooking: Use similar-sized chicken breasts for uniform grilling.
• Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
• Extra Flavor: Brush the chicken with additional marinade during grilling to deepen the flavor.
• No grill? No problem: Cook in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat—just watch for charring.
• Avoid flare-ups: Trim chicken of excess fat and keep a spray bottle of water nearby.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken thighs: Use bone-in or boneless thighs—adjust cooking time to 6–7 minutes per side.
• Sweetener swap: Can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey.
• Spice twist: Add ¼ tsp cayenne for heat.
• Vinegar alternatives: Swap in apple cider vinegar if balsamic isn’t available.
• Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme over after grilling.
• Citrus boost: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to the reserved marinade before heating.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Let leftovers cool to room temperature, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in fridge overnight. Warm in a skillet or oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through—about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 chicken breast serving:

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 13g (Sugars: 11g)
• Fat: 7g · Saturated: 1g · Polyunsat: 1g · Monounsat: 2g · Trans: 0.03g
• Cholesterol: 145mg · Sodium: 625mg · Potassium: 889mg
• Fiber: 0.2g · Vitamin A: 230 IU · Vitamin C: 3 mg · Calcium: 19 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Balanced and protein‑packed, this dish is ideal for healthy meal planning or family dinners.

Serving Suggestions

• Starches: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, quinoa, couscous, or buttery rice.
• Veggies: Serve alongside grilled asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a fresh field green salad.
• Bread option: Toasted ciabatta or garlic bread complements the rich glaze.
• Sauce on the side: Provide additional warmed glaze for extra dipping.

Common Questions About Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken

Q: Can I marinate overnight?
A: Yes! Marinating 8–12 hours enhances flavor, but don’t exceed 24 hours to avoid overly soft texture due to acid in the balsamic.

Q: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
A: Brush on the glaze at the end of grilling and finish with a quick sear—this reduces the chance of burning sugar in the marinade.

Q: What internal temperature should I aim for?
A: Cook until 165°F (74°C) inside. A meat thermometer is your best friend.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes—just ensure your ketchup is labeled gluten‑free to avoid hidden wheat.

Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: No dairy ingredients are used here, so it’s safe for dairy-free diets.

Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
A: Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, and finish with a brush of warm glaze before serving.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for trying this Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe! It’s one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something delightful without spending hours in the kitchen. The glaze is sweet, tangy, and beautifully coats the chicken, while the simple prep and fast cook time make it perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings. I hope you enjoy every tender, juicy bite—and find as much joy in cooking and sharing it as I do. Wishing you happy grilling adventures, and heartfelt thanks for being a cherished part of our food-loving family.

May your kitchen overflow with delicious aromas, cozy vibes, and joyful cooking memories!

Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sweet Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor with a sweet and tangy glaze. Ready in minutes, perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners. Grill it up and enjoy a quick, delicious meal the whole family will love!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Seasoning:

1 tsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

¾ tsp onion powder

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Honey Balsamic Marinade:

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp ketchup

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp minced fresh garlic

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Instructions

Season the Chicken

1. In a resealable plastic bag or bowl, combine 1 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika, and ¾ tsp onion powder.
2. Add the 2 lbs chicken breasts. Seal and toss to evenly coat.

2. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp minced garlic until smooth.
2. Split the marinade in half—pour one half into the chicken bag and refrigerate the other half in a sealed container.

3. Marinate

1. Shake the bag so every chicken piece is coated.
2. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.

4. Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat the grill to medium‑high heat (about 375–400°F/190–205°C).
2. Remove chicken from the bag, discard the used marinade.
3. Cook the chicken on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Finish and Serve

1. While the chicken cooks, warm the reserved marinade in the microwave (30–45 seconds) or on the stove until it simmers slightly.
2. As soon as the chicken is done, brush or drizzle the warm glaze on top.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use similar-sized chicken breasts for even grilling.

Want extra flavor? Brush the marinade during grilling.

No grill? Cook chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

Marinate up to 12 hours, but no longer than 24.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinate Time: 4 hours (or as little as 30 minutes)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 317
• Sugar: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 48g