Description
Succulent honey glazed grilled chicken breasts showcase sweet and savory flavors that dance perfectly on summer dinner plates. Juicy chicken marinated in golden honey and herbs promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Garnish and Grilling:
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking honey, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Transfer chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then generously coat with the prepared marinade. Refrigerate for 1-8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard remaining marinade for food safety. Position chicken on hot grill grates.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on initial side, developing beautiful caramelized grill marks. Turn pieces carefully, revealing golden-brown surface.
- Place lemon halves directly on grill alongside chicken. Cook second side for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming complete cooking.
- Remove chicken and grilled lemons from heat. Allow meat to rest for 3-4 minutes, preserving juiciness and redistributing internal moisture.
- Squeeze grilled lemon over chicken, enhancing flavor profile. Optional: garnish with fresh chopped herbs for visual appeal and additional taste dimension.
- Plate alongside complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables or herbed rice, presenting a complete, appetizing meal.
Notes
- Customize the marinade by swapping honey with maple syrup or agave for a different sweet profile that works perfectly for vegan alternatives.
- Tenderize chicken breasts before marinating by gently pounding them to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and preventing dry edges.
- Prevent sticking on the grill by cleaning and oiling grates thoroughly before cooking, which helps create beautiful caramelized exterior without tearing meat.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting salt quantities, making the recipe more heart-friendly without compromising delicious flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg