Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe
Summer is officially here, bringing with it the irresistible call of the grill! If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than this incredibly juicy and tender Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken. It’s the quintessential barbecue recipe, perfect for backyard gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for delicious grilled goodness. What makes this chicken truly special is its sensational marinade, a harmonious blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, rich spices, and the perfect touch of sweetness from brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Official Kick-Off to Summer Grilling
There’s a special magic in the air as Memorial Day weekend ushers in the summer season, and with it, the beloved tradition of backyard barbecues. As an avid griller, I’m always thrilled to introduce a new favorite to my collection of grilling recipes, and this grilled chicken creation is no exception. In fact, I’m absolutely “pumped” about sharing it with you! Chicken is, without a doubt, one of my favorite proteins to prepare on the grill. The way it absorbs flavor and develops a beautiful char makes it incredibly versatile and satisfying.
This Sweet and Smoky Chicken recipe brings together everything you love about summer cooking: simplicity, incredible taste, and that unmistakable aroma of food sizzling over an open flame. It’s designed to make your barbecue experience effortless and memorable, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.
The Irresistible Sweet and Smoky Marinade
The secret to this chicken’s outstanding flavor lies in its meticulously crafted marinade. There’s truly nothing quite like the dynamic combination of sweet and smoky notes when infusing chicken. I’ve perfected a blend that starts with the rich tang of balsamic vinegar, which not only adds depth but also helps tenderize the chicken to perfection. Then, Worcestershire sauce steps in, providing a savory umami kick that beautifully balances the sweetness. For that signature sweet profile, we turn to a dual threat: rich brown sugar and pure maple syrup, offering a complex, natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
But the flavor doesn’t stop there. Smoked paprika contributes a deep, earthy smokiness that complements the grilled char, while fresh minced garlic and a hint of ground ginger powder add aromatic warmth and a subtle spicy finish. Marinating the chicken for a few hours, or even better, overnight, allows these incredible flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in chicken that’s exceptionally soft, juicy, and flavorful down to the last bite. For the ultimate summertime meal, I highly recommend pairing this chicken with a refreshing Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad.
This post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm Foods. All opinions and my genuine love for their products are entirely my own!
Effortless & Delicious: Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Recipe
When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen for hours. That’s precisely why you need to bookmark this sweet smoked chicken recipe! It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The chicken itself is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, relying heavily on the magic of the marinade. And when it comes to serving, there’s a simple secret weapon for a complete meal: a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad. It’s a no-brainer side dish that simplifies your meal prep even further.
Paisley Farm has long been my trusted brand for delicious, ready-to-serve bean salads. Their Five Bean Salad is a delightful blend of green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans, brightened with crisp, freshly diced onions and vibrant red peppers. It’s a healthy, hearty, and incredibly versatile side that pairs beautifully with almost anything – especially this grilled chicken. I adore this bean salad not just for its fantastic sweet-pickled taste, but also because it’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. And the best part? Absolutely no prep required – just open and serve!
If this sweet and smoky chicken captures your heart, then you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken
- Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Your Go-To Healthy Barbecue Meal
For those seeking healthy, easy-to-prepare meal options during barbecue season, this Sweet and Smoky Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try. The homemade, flavor-packed marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with incredible taste. All you need to do is keep a few jars of Paisley Farm’s Five Bean Salad on hand, and you’ve got a complete, wholesome, and unbelievably delicious meal that everyone will adore. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave a homemade taste without the extensive kitchen time.
Key Ingredients for Sweet and Smoky Chicken
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients, which combine to create a truly unforgettable flavor profile. For a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe due to their lean profile and ability to absorb flavor quickly. You can also butterfly thicker breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This acidic component is crucial. It not only contributes a delightful tangy, fruity, and slightly sweet flavor to the marinade but also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring your chicken stays moist and succulent.
- Sweeteners (Pure Maple Syrup & Brown Sugar): The combination of pure maple syrup and brown sugar provides a multi-faceted sweetness. Maple syrup offers a rich, nuanced flavor, while brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that helps create a beautiful caramelized crust on the grill.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A powerhouse of savory flavor, Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami note that brilliantly balances the sweetness from the sugars, preventing the marinade from becoming cloyingly sweet.
- Fresh Garlic: A few cloves of freshly minced garlic are essential for adding pungent, aromatic depth to the marinade, a cornerstone of many delicious recipes.
- Spices (Ground Ginger Powder & Smoked Paprika):
- Ground Ginger Powder: Provides a warm, subtly spicy, and aromatic kick that complements both sweet and savory notes.
- Smoked Paprika: This is where the “smoky” in “sweet and smoky” truly shines! Smoked paprika infuses the chicken with a rich, campfire-like flavor, enhancing the overall barbecue experience.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these staples enhance all the other flavors in the marinade and ensure the chicken is perfectly seasoned. Adjust to your personal taste.
Keep reading for invaluable tips, creative substitutions, and answers to common questions about perfecting this sweet & smoky chicken recipe!
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Smoky Chicken Recipe
Achieving this mouthwatering chicken dish is simpler than you might think, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week. Just follow these easy steps to get this delicious chicken on your table.
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, freshly minced garlic, ground ginger powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. This ensures a consistent flavor profile throughout your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a gallon-sized ziplock bag or a shallow, non-reactive dish. Carefully pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and gently massage the bag to distribute the marinade evenly around the chicken. Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but for the most intense flavor and tender texture, allow it to marinate overnight (up to 12-24 hours). This extended time is key to truly infusing the chicken with all those delicious sweet and smoky notes.
Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated with marinade for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium heat. For best results and to prevent sticking, lightly oil your grill grates before placing the chicken. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer on the hot grate. Close the lid and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes on the first side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken. For reference, the chicken breasts I used were about one pound each. After 6-8 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes on the second side.
4. Prepare and Baste with Marinade
While the chicken is grilling, pour the leftover sweet and smoky chicken marinade (from the bag) into a small saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil on the stovetop and let it bubble for at least 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial for food safety, as boiling the marinade effectively kills any bacteria that may have come into contact with the raw chicken. Once boiled, it transforms into a delectable, safe-to-use basting sauce.
5. Finish Grilling and Serve
During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the heated marinade over the chicken breasts. Flip the chicken after a minute or two to ensure even basting and caramelization. Continue to cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Once cooked, remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes (this helps keep it juicy), and serve hot. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and tender sweet and smoky chicken!
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Don’t worry if you have any leftover smoky chicken – it’s just as delicious the next day! Store any remaining cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s fantastic sliced cold and added to salads for a quick, flavorful lunch, or shredded for tacos and sandwiches. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the microwave, oven, or even a skillet until heated through. Be careful not to overcook when reheating to maintain its tenderness.
Love It? Pin It!
If you’re already envisioning this mouthwatering smoky & sweet chicken recipe gracing your grill, make sure you save it for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes!
Creative Substitutions & Variations
The beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe, adapting it to your personal tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Make it truly your own!
- Grilling Method: While a traditional charcoal or gas grill works perfectly, consider preparing this chicken on a Traeger grill for an authentic pellet grill smoked flavor that adds another layer of deliciousness. Remember that cooking times will vary depending on your chosen cooking method and grill type.
- Spice Adjustments: For an even deeper smoky profile, you could substitute white pepper for black pepper in the marinade, though this is a subtle change. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add a welcome spicy kick.
- Chicken Cuts: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here for quick cooking, this marinade is fantastic with other cuts of chicken. Feel free to use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs for a richer, more forgiving meat that stays incredibly juicy. You could even try it with a whole cut-up chicken! Just be mindful that cooking times and internal temperature requirements will differ from boneless chicken breasts, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
- Added Flavors: For an extra boost of smokiness, especially if using a gas grill, a few drops of liquid smoke can be added to the marinade. Experiment with other herbs like dried oregano or thyme for an extra aromatic touch.
The Perfect Companion: Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
My esteemed friends at Paisley Farm Foods and I share a common goal: to bring you delightful, homecooked meals without the fuss. We believe in providing wholesome ingredients that you can feel confident and good about feeding to your family. Their commitment to quality and convenience perfectly aligns with the ethos of this easy grilling recipe.
This Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken recipe truly becomes a quick and effortlessly elegant meal when served alongside a nutritious side of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad! It’s the ultimate easy button for mealtime. Simply open a jar, pour it into a bowl, and serve. The vibrant, sweet-pickled flavor of the bean salad perfectly cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating a balanced and refreshing contrast. It’s an ideal side dish for busy weeknights when time is short, or for those laid-back weekends when you want to maximize relaxation and minimize kitchen time. The combination is a match made in summer heaven!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sweet Smoked Chicken
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your sweet and smoky chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- What is the best way to store raw chicken? Raw chicken should always be handled with care to prevent cross-contamination. Store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. This placement prevents any potential chicken juices from dripping onto other foods.
- Do you have to wash the chicken before cooking it? No, it is generally not recommended to wash raw chicken before cooking. Washing chicken can splash bacteria around your kitchen, potentially contaminating surfaces and other foods. Proper cooking to the correct internal temperature (165°F/74°C) will kill any harmful bacteria.
- How do you know if the chicken is cooked properly? The safest and most reliable way to confirm that chicken is cooked thoroughly is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones. Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). It is crucial for food safety to avoid consuming undercooked chicken.
- Can I bake or pan-fry this chicken instead of grilling? Absolutely! While grilling adds that signature smoky flavor and char, you can certainly bake or pan-fry this chicken. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with the boiled marinade. For pan-frying, cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, reducing heat if needed to prevent burning, until fully cooked.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Sweet & Smoky Chicken
- Double Down on the Marinade: For future meal prep convenience, consider making a double or triple batch of the marinade. Store the extra marinade (untainted by raw chicken) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for even longer, so it’s ready to go whenever you crave grilled chicken.
- Amplify Smokiness: If you desire an even deeper, more intense smoky flavor, particularly when using a gas grill, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference, as a little goes a long way!
- Prevent Sticking: Always remember to coat or spray your grill grates with a high-heat cooking oil (like olive oil, avocado oil, or a grilling spray) before placing the chicken. This simple step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier. Ensure your grill is hot enough before adding chicken for optimal searing.
- Prioritize Marination Time: The secret to truly flavorful and tender chicken lies in allowing ample time for the marinade to work its magic. Do not compromise on this step! Aim for a minimum of 3 hours, but if your schedule allows, marinating overnight (12-24 hours) will yield the most incredibly succulent and deeply flavored results.
- Always Have a Healthy Side Ready: Keep a few jars of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad on hand in your pantry. It’s an unbeatable, quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can elevate any meal, from grilled chicken to simple sandwiches, at a moment’s notice.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
Barbecue season is truly a culinary playground, and I’ve got a bounty of recipes for you to explore beyond this chicken! If you’re in the mood for a fantastic burger, this Turkey Reuben Burger is a unique and flavorful option. For those who love ribs, these BBQ Pork Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. And if you’re looking for another chicken masterpiece, this Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken is always a hit. To complete your grilled meal, classic side dishes like this beloved Homemade Potato Salad and this incredible Copycat KFC Coleslaw always go over well. Don’t forget to try my versatile Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe – it’s perfect for slathering on almost anything!
Dive Deeper: Reasons to Love Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is much more than just a convenient side dish; it’s a nutritional powerhouse! It’s low-calorie, naturally healthy, entirely dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Boasting a significant amount of plant-based protein, thanks in part to chickpeas (garbanzo beans), it’s a fantastic way to boost your protein intake. The salad features a delightful blend of five distinct beans—green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans—each contributing its unique texture and subtle flavor. These are beautifully accented with crisp, freshly diced onions and vibrant red peppers, all suspended in a sweet, tangy pickling liquid.
While the salad offers a wonderfully sweet pickled taste straight from the jar, its versatility extends far beyond a simple side dish. It’s absolutely fantastic as an additive to other recipes, bringing a burst of flavor and texture. For example, it transforms my Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad and adds an unexpected layer of deliciousness to my Creamy Mexican Hot Taco Dip!
Discover ALL of my Paisley Farm Recipes here!
You can easily find these delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salads at major retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger Stores, Sprouts, Fresh Market, and many other fine retailers nationwide. To explore their full range of fabulous products, be sure to visit 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.
The Perfect Summer Meal Awaits!
This Sweet and Smoky Chicken recipe truly encapsulates everything wonderful about summertime grilling. With its succulent tenderness, rich flavor profile from the unique marinade, and effortless preparation, it promises to be a highlight of your seasonal cooking. Paired with the vibrant and wholesome Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, you’re not just making dinner; you’re crafting the perfect, balanced, and utterly delicious meal that’s ideal for any summer occasion. So fire up that grill, get marinating, and prepare to enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Print Recipe
Sweet & Smoky Chicken
Equipment
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Char-Broil 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
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Weber Spirit S-315 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
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Grill Set Heavy Duty BBQ Accessories – BBQ Tool Set 4pc Grill Accessories
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Traeger Pellet Grills Pro Series 780 Pellet Bronze Grill, Smoker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds bonless 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
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Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until combined.
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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 freezer for at least 3 hours or overnight.
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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.
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Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and heat it on the stove until bubbling.
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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.
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Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
