This Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Breasts recipe is a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and zesty heat. It’s a healthy, protein-packed dinner option, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend grilling. The flavorful marinade infuses tender chicken breasts, ensuring every bite is juicy, smoky, and irresistibly delicious for the whole family.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Marinating is key: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
- Use indirect heat for grilling: If grilling, cook the chicken over indirect heat to prevent burning.
- Basting magic: Reserve a portion of the marinade to baste the chicken during cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice level adjustment: Add more chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicier kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet honey, smoky BBQ sauce, and a hint of spice ensures a dynamic taste profile that will please even picky eaters. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, this dish is versatile and customizable. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear, the result is a tender and succulent protein-rich meal that fits a healthy lifestyle.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Breasts
A flavorful blend of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and smoky BBQ sauce makes these chicken breasts a must-try.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: For grilling, preheat to medium heat. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the grill grates or baking sheet with olive oil.
- Grill: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade halfway through.
- Bake: Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, basting midway.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Use a non-stick spray or lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking.
- Double the marinade for extra sauce to drizzle over the cooked chicken.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 351Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 102mgSodium 734mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 1gSugar 26gProtein 38g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking. Pound to an even thickness if needed.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier option. Smoky-flavored varieties work wonderfully.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the marinade caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- Sriracha: Provides a balanced spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger elevate the depth of flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Enhances the tanginess while tenderizing the chicken.
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a subtle smoky undertone that complements the BBQ flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts for thighs, turkey fillets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Sugar-Free: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol for a low-carb version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free. You can also make your own with tomato paste and spices.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or cilantro to the marinade for herbal notes.
- Extra Heat: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the marinade for a fiery twist.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Marinade Storage: Keep extra marinade (not used for raw chicken) in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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