This Spicy Honey Bacon Glazed Grilled Chicken is a mouthwatering treat! The sweet honey and crispy bacon make every bite irresistible, while a little spice adds that extra kick.
Who can resist the combination of smoky grilled chicken with sticky-sweet glaze? I love serving it with a side of fresh veggies for the perfect meal. Get ready to impress your taste buds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking on the grill. If you want a juicier option, try chicken thighs instead; they have a richer flavor and will stay moist.
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor. If you prefer a healthier version, turkey bacon can be a good substitute, just keep in mind it might not be as crispy.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze stick. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, consider maple syrup or agave nectar. They both work well in creating a sticky texture.
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is my go-to for its balance of spice and flavor. You can swap it for any hot sauce you enjoy, like Frank’s or even a milder variety if you want less heat.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Wrapped in Bacon?
Grilling chicken wrapped in bacon can be tricky, especially when it comes to ensuring even cooking. Follow these steps for success:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high to ensure even cooking.
- Wrap the chicken snugly with bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed. This helps the bacon stay in place as it cooks.
- Brush the chicken and bacon with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, watching closely to avoid burning the bacon. An internal temperature of 165°F means it’s ready!
- Brush on the glaze in the last few minutes for that sticky, caramelized finish.
Give it a little rest time before serving! This helps the juices settle, making for a juicier bite.
Spicy Honey Bacon Glazed Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
For the Spicy Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Honey Bacon Glazed Grilled Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes to grill. So, plan for a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Grill Ready:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps give your chicken a nice sear and keeps it juicy inside!
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, hot sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well until everything is combined to create a tasty spicy honey glaze.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken before wrapping it up!
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place if you like—but just make sure to remove them before serving!
5. Prep for Grilling:
Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking to the grill and adds extra flavor.
6. Grill the Chicken:
Place the wrapped chicken on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the bacon to be crispy and the chicken to be fully cooked (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
7. Brush on the Glaze:
In the last few minutes of grilling, use your brush to generously coat the chicken and bacon with the spicy honey glaze. This adds that delicious caramelized finish!
8. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle for a more flavorful chicken.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pretty presentation. Serve the chicken warm and enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your delicious Spicy Honey Bacon Glazed Grilled Chicken! Perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue!
FAQ for Spicy Honey Bacon Glazed Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Thawed Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed before grilling. You can safely thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or choose a milder sauce. On the flip side, if you like more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an added kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, making sure to check that the chicken is heated through to 165°F (75°C) again.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or an indoor electric grill. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, and keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it gets crispy without burning!
