SMOKY HONEY GARLIC GRILLED CHICKEN
This smoky honey garlic grilled chicken is a perfect combination of savoury, smoky and slightly sweet flavours, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. The honey caramelises beautifully on the grill, creating a slightly crispy exterior; olive oil adds aroma, while the smoked paprika adds a deep, rich smokiness. The garlic infuses the chicken with intense aromatic notes, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Salt and black pepper enhance the taste of the chicken. This simple yet flavourful recipe is ideal for summer BBQs, meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether served with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad or inside a sandwich, this grilled chicken is both versatile and satisfying, with minimal ingredients and maximum taste. This dish is an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their chicken recipes with a unique and flavourful twist.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
American, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Marinate, Barbecue/Grill, Pan-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Backyard BBQ, Summer, Family Reunion, Picnic, Party, Weeknight Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Protein, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Chicken, Entrée, Grilled Dish
INGREDIENTS
These are the ingredients for Smoky Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken:
- 100g chicken breast
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp lemon juice (optional for added freshness)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fibre: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Smoky Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken:
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix the honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt and black pepper. If desired, add lemon juice for a touch of acidity.
- Coat the chicken: Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel and rub the marinade evenly over both sides. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavour).
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over a medium-high flame. Lightly grease with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breast on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a side of grilled vegetables, salad or rice.
PREP TIME
15 minutes (including marinating time)
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for Smoky Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken:
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a more vigorous flavour compared to garlic powder.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing ensures it stays juicy.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet taste, reduce the honey slightly or substitute with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Even cooking: Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness before grilling for uniform cooking.
- Alternative cooking method: If grilling isn’t an option, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for the same results.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chilli flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh or dried thyme, rosemary or oregano to enhance the flavour.
- Soy Glaze: Swap out the salt for a dash of low-sodium soy sauce to give it an umami-rich taste.
- Creamy Finish: Drizzle with a light yoghurt sauce or garlic aioli for a creamy contrast.
- Different Protein: Try this marinade with turkey, tofu or salmon for a variety of options.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.
- Freezing: Freeze the marinated chicken raw for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
- Meal Prep: Grill multiple portions and store them for easy meal prep throughout the week.