Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Recipe: Your Ultimate Summer Barbecue Guide
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of food sizzling on the barbecue. Summer is officially here, ushering in the season of outdoor cooking, family gatherings, and delicious meals. If you’re searching for a show-stopping dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, look no further than this succulent Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken. This recipe promises juicy, tender chicken every time, thanks to a mouth-watering marinade crafted from balsamic vinegar, a rich blend of spices, and the perfect touch of sweetness from brown sugar and pure maple syrup. It’s an essential addition to your summer grilling repertoire, guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Memorial Day weekend typically marks the unofficial start of summer, a time when backyards across the nation come alive with the sizzle and smoke of barbecue grills. It’s the perfect occasion to gather loved ones, enjoy the warm weather, and indulge in fantastic food. While my site features a wide array of grilling recipes, I’m particularly thrilled to share this brand-new grilled chicken creation. Chicken truly shines on the grill, and this sweet and smoky rendition is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorites.
The Irresistible Sweet and Smoky Marinade for Perfect Chicken
The magic of this recipe lies in its exceptional marinade, a harmonious blend of sweet and smoky notes that deeply infuses the chicken with flavor. We start with tangy balsamic vinegar, which not only adds a delightful zest but also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring every bite is incredibly soft and moist. Worcestershire sauce contributes a complex, savory depth that beautifully balances the sweetness. For that signature sweetness, we combine pure maple syrup, offering a rich, earthy flavor, with classic brown sugar, which caramelizes beautifully on the grill to create a delicious crust.
But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there. Smoked paprika is key to achieving that authentic smoky essence, while freshly minced garlic and ground ginger powder introduce aromatic warmth and a subtle spicy kick. Marinating the chicken for a minimum of three hours, or ideally overnight, allows these vibrant flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in grilled chicken that is exceptionally juicy, tender, and bursting with taste. This extraordinary marinade elevates simple chicken breasts into a gourmet barbecue experience.
This post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm Foods. All opinions and my genuine love for their products are entirely my own!
Quick and Easy Summer Meal Solution
When the weather is beautiful, you want to spend your time enjoying the outdoors, not slaving away in the kitchen. This Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a must-bookmark for your summer meal planning. The chicken preparation is straightforward, and when paired with a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, you have a complete, wholesome meal ready in no time.
Paisley Farm has long been a trusted name for high-quality, prepared bean salads. Their Five Bean Salad is a delightful blend featuring green, kidney, garbanzo (chickpeas), pinto, and wax beans. This colorful mix is expertly seasoned and accented with crisp diced onions and vibrant red peppers, creating a taste that’s both sweet and savory. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish. Beyond its delicious flavor, I appreciate that this bean salad is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, offering a healthy and hearty side without any of the fuss of chopping or cooking. Just open and serve – it doesn’t get easier than that!
If you enjoy the balance of sweet and smoky flavors in this chicken dish, you’ll also love exploring other chicken recipes. Consider trying my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders for a quicker take, the Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken for another fantastic barbecue option, or this Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for an Asian-inspired twist.
Health-Conscious Grilling for Everyone
For those seeking healthy, yet exceptionally flavorful and easy-to-prepare meal options during barbecue season, this recipe is an absolute must-try. The homemade marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing lean chicken breasts with an incredible depth of flavor without relying on artificial ingredients. By simply keeping a few jars of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad in your pantry, you’re always just minutes away from assembling a balanced and delicious meal that everyone, including the pickiest eaters, is sure to adore. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cookouts, providing nutritious satisfaction with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Sweet and Smoky Chicken
Crafting this flavorful marinade requires a few simple yet powerful ingredients. For the exact measurements and full printable instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken: For this recipe, I’ve opted for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Their lean nature and ability to absorb marinade make them an excellent choice for grilling.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A cornerstone of the marinade, balsamic vinegar provides a delightful tang and helps to tenderize the chicken, ensuring it remains moist and juicy.
- Sweeteners: To achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory, we use a combination of pure maple syrup, offering a rich, natural sweetness, and brown sugar, which aids in caramelization on the grill.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient is crucial for adding a deep, umami-rich savory flavor that expertly complements and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar.
- Garlic: A few cloves of freshly minced garlic are essential for their pungent aroma and robust flavor, permeating the chicken with delicious notes.
- Spices: Ground ginger powder introduces a warm, subtle spiciness, while smoked paprika is the secret to that authentic, mouth-watering smoky flavor. Finish the seasoning with a touch of black pepper and salt to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
Continue reading to discover valuable tips, clever substitutions, and answers to common questions about preparing this sensational sweet and smoky chicken recipe.
How to Make This Smoky Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving this delightful chicken dish is incredibly simple, requiring just a few straightforward steps to bring it from your kitchen to the dinner table.
Begin by combining all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk them thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. This ensures an even distribution of flavors when you add the chicken.
Next, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Carefully pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.
Gently massage the bag, ensuring that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the sweet and smoky marinade. Once coated, place the sealed bag in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 3 hours, or for an even deeper flavor, leave it overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium temperature. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer on the grate, making sure not to overcrowd the grill. Close the lid and cook for 6-8 minutes on the first side. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes on the second side. Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. For reference, the chicken breasts used here were approximately one pound each.
While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved sweet and smoky chicken marinade into a small saucepan. Heat it on the stove over medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil and has thickened slightly. This step is crucial for food safety, ensuring that any raw chicken juices in the marinade are fully cooked before brushing it onto the chicken.
Once the chicken has cooked on both sides, brush the heated marinade generously over the chicken. Flip the chicken after a minute or two to ensure even coating and allow the marinade to caramelize slightly. Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) using a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Serve hot and enjoy the incredible flavors!
Leftover smoky chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It makes a fantastic addition to salads for a quick and flavorful lunch! For longer storage, leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Love It? Pin It!
If this smoky & sweet chicken recipe captures your heart and taste buds, don’t let it slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave, so you can easily find it for your next barbecue feast!
Substitutions and Variations to Make It Your Own
One of the best parts of cooking is the freedom to get creative! Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to suit your personal tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and truly make it your own.
- Grill Type: For an authentic, deep smoked flavor, consider preparing this chicken on a Traeger or other pellet grill. However, a charcoal grill or a gas grill will also yield delicious results. Just be aware that the cooking time and intensity of smoky flavor will vary depending on your chosen cooking method.
- Spice Profile: If you desire an even more pronounced smoky taste, you can swap out the black pepper for white pepper in the marinade. Additionally, a few drops of liquid smoke can be added for an extra boost of smokiness.
- Chicken Cuts: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here for their convenience and quick cooking time, this marinade is equally fantastic with other cuts. Try it with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for a more robust meal. Remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly, as thicker or bone-in cuts will require longer to cook through to a safe internal temperature.
Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad: The Perfect Pairing
My culinary philosophy aligns perfectly with my friends at Paisley Farm Foods: delivering delicious, wholesome homecooked meals without unnecessary fuss. They are dedicated to providing products made with quality ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family, making mealtime both enjoyable and stress-free.
This Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken recipe truly shines when paired with a nutritious side of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad. It’s the ultimate convenience food – simply open a jar, pour the vibrant salad into a bowl, and serve. Its sweet and tangy profile, combined with its satisfying texture, makes it the ideal side dish for busy weeknights when time is precious, or for those lazy weekends when you want to maximize relaxation and minimize kitchen work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken
Here are some common questions and essential answers to help you confidently prepare and enjoy your grilled chicken.
- What is the best way to store raw chicken? To ensure safety and prevent cross-contamination, always store raw chicken in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at the very bottom of your refrigerator. This prevents any juices from leaking onto other foods.
- Do you have to wash the chicken before cooking it? No, it is generally not recommended to wash chicken before cooking. Washing raw chicken can actually spread harmful bacteria around your kitchen through splashing water, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Proper cooking to the correct internal temperature will kill any bacteria.
- How do you know if the chicken is cooked properly? The most reliable way to confirm that chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it doesn’t touch any bone. Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Eating undercooked chicken is unsafe.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Grilled Chicken
- Batch Marinade: Save time on future grilling days by making a double or triple batch of the marinade. You can freeze portions of the marinade (without the chicken) for quick meal prep later.
- Enhanced Smoky Flavor: For an even deeper smoky taste, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your marinade. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
- Non-Stick Grill: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, lightly coat or spray your grill grates with olive oil or a high-heat cooking spray before placing the chicken on it.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the marinating process! Allowing the chicken ample time to soak in the marinade is key to achieving deep, rich flavor and tender results. Aim for at least 3 hours, but overnight is truly ideal.
- Always Ready Side: Keep a few jars of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad on hand. This ensures you always have a quick, easy, and healthy side dish ready to complement any grilled meal, making weeknight dinners effortless.
More Delicious Grilling Recipes to Love
As barbecue season heats up, I have a treasure trove of recipes perfect for your outdoor cooking adventures. If you’re looking for fantastic burger options, try my unique Turkey Reuben Burger or these tender BBQ Pork Ribs. For another chicken dish with a kick, my Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken is always a hit. And no grilled meal is complete without some stellar side dishes. My Homemade Potato Salad consistently receives rave reviews, as does this incredibly popular Copycat KFC Cole Slaw. Don’t forget to elevate your grilling game with my Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe – it’s a game-changer!
Why Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is a Pantry Staple
Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is more than just a convenient side; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. This delicious salad is low-calorie, naturally healthy, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. It boasts a significant amount of plant-based protein, thanks in large part to the inclusion of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), which are among the top plant-based protein sources. The salad features a thoughtfully curated blend of green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans, all accented with the fresh crunch of diced onions and red peppers.
Straight from the jar, these beans offer a delightful sweet pickled taste. Their versatility extends far beyond a simple side dish; they are also fantastic as an additive to creative recipes like my Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad or my creamy, zesty Creamy Mexican Hot Taco Dip!
To explore more innovative ways to use these fantastic products, be sure to see ALL of my Paisley Farm Recipes!
You can easily find delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad at major retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger Stores, Sprouts, Fresh Market, and many other fine retailers. Discover their full range of fabulous products by visiting their official website. Stay connected and get inspired with great recipes all year long by following Paisley Farm on their social media channels: FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
This Sweet and Smoky Chicken is truly the epitome of summertime grilling. When served alongside the crisp and flavorful Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, you have a perfectly balanced, utterly delicious meal that’s ideal for any warm-weather occasion.
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Print Recipe
Sweet & Smoky Chicken
5 minutes
12 minutes
3 hours 17 minutes
Equipment
- Char-Broil 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- Weber Spirit S-315 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
- Grill Set Heavy Duty BBQ Accessories – BBQ Tool Set 4pc Grill Accessories
- Traeger Pellet Grills Pro Series 780 Pellet Bronze Grill, Smoker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast meat
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 teaspoons smoky paprika
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Pour marinade over the top. Massage the bag a bit making sure to coat the chicken. Place the bag in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Heat grill to medium and place chicken breasts on the grate. Close the lid. Cook for 6-8 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for 6-8 minutes on the other side. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken.
- Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and heat it on the stove until bubbling.
- Brush the heated marinade over the chicken flipping after a minute or two and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving:
- 1
- Calories:
- 372kcal
- Carbohydrates:
- 28g
- Protein:
- 48g
- Fat:
- 6g
- Saturated Fat:
- 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat:
- 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat:
- 2g
- Trans Fat:
- 0.03g
- Cholesterol:
- 145mg
- Sodium:
- 309mg
- Potassium:
- 956mg
- Fiber:
- 0.3g
- Sugar:
- 25g
- Vitamin A:
- 399IU
- Vitamin C:
- 3mg
- Calcium:
- 51mg
- Iron:
- 1mg
