Honey Bacon Glazed Chicken

Sweet sticky and smoky all at once this honey bacon glazed chicken is the dish I make when I want dinner to taste both comforting and special without a huge fuss The marinade gets deep into the chicken and the glossy glaze is so irresistible you will want to lick your fingers

First time I tested this glaze my family scraped the pan clean The bacon bits in the honey sauce are my secret weapon for convincing picky eaters

Ingredients

• Balsamic vinegar: adds tangy depth to the marinade Choose a bottle with rich color and aroma
• Packed light brown sugar: brings molasses sweetness to balance the vinegar Pick fresh soft sugar to avoid lumps
• Steak seasoning: a blend for meaty flavor and a little bite Try to find one with cracked pepper and garlic
• Dried rosemary: for savory herbal notes Pinch the leaves between your fingers to check for strong aroma
• Olive oil: tenderizes the chicken and carries flavors Look for extra virgin for a fruity note
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: lean and perfect for soaking up flavors Pick pieces with even thickness
• Bacon: diced into small pieces for smoky porky crunch Choose thick cut bacon for extra texture
• Honey: sweet and viscous for a glossy glaze Use local honey if you can for best flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: this ingredient adds umami savoriness Avoid any bottle with too many preservatives
• Hot sauce: for heat and tang Cholula is my favorite here but other vinegar forward sauces work
• Black pepper: gives background warmth Freshly cracked pepper makes a real difference
• Smoked paprika: for subtle smokiness and color Opt for Spanish smoked paprika for bold aroma

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pound out the chicken breasts with a meat mallet between sheets of wax paper until about one inch thick Even pieces will cook evenly and stay juicy

Make the Marinade:

Stir together the balsamic vinegar brown sugar steak seasoning and dried rosemary in a wide bowl Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking Then nestle the chicken breasts into the mix turning to coat every part Let this rest in your fridge for at least two hours and up to a full day for extra flavor

Sizzle the Bacon and Make the Glaze:

Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crisp Scoop out the bacon bits leave just a thin layer of the rendered fat Add the honey Worcestershire sauce hot sauce black pepper and smoked paprika to the pan Heat until it bubbles and then stir in the cooked bacon Simmer for two minutes to meld flavors Pour the glaze into a separate bowl or container as it thickens cools and intensifies

Cook the Chicken:

Wipe out the skillet or rinse quickly if needed Set it over medium high heat Add a thin drizzle of oil Once hot lay in the marinated chicken Cook each side for about four to six minutes until golden and cooked through to an internal temp of one hundred sixty five degrees

Finish and Serve:

Let the cooked chicken rest under foil for about five minutes Then drizzle generously with the sticky bacon glaze or return everything to the pan to warm together Serve hot with extra glaze on the side

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The bacon truly transforms this dish from good to unforgettable I remember the first time my cousin swooped in and stole the last piece as soon as everyone turned away No one can resist that smoky sticky sauce

Storage Tips

Leftover honey bacon glazed chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to three days For best results store the glaze and chicken separately and reheat both gently When freezing wrap the chicken tightly in foil and freeze up to one month Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove with glaze

Ingredient Swaps

Try chicken thighs for an even juicier result or turkey cutlets in a pinch If you are out of balsamic vinegar a mix of red wine vinegar and a splash of maple syrup works well Smoked turkey bacon can be subbed for regular to make a lighter version

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes rice or roasted seasonal veggies Spoon extra glaze over whatever side you choose For extra color top the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley or chives

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A Bit About This Dish

Sticky sweet bacon glazed chicken is popular in home kitchens and at barbecue joints alike This recipe brings together classic American sweet spicy flavors with just enough smokiness and tang You can tweak the degree of heat by adjusting the hot sauce or leaving it out for a kid friendly meal

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the glaze sweet and spicy?

The glaze combines honey for sweetness and hot sauce with smoked paprika for a subtle spicy depth, balanced by savory bacon.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

It's best to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but you can marinate it up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cook time as needed for thicker pieces.

→ What other hot sauces can I use?

You can use any favorite hot sauce; Cholula is recommended, but sriracha, Frank’s, or Tabasco also work well.

→ Is the glaze thick or runny?

The glaze thickens as it cools, creating a sticky texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.