Honey-Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Elevate your barbecue game with this Honey-Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe! Perfectly brined to enhance flavor and moisture, this dish combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, resulting in juicy chicken pieces that are seared to perfection on the grill. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep, this chicken is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasting chicken
1 (Cut into pieces)
Water
6 cups (Cold)
Kosher salt
1/2 cup (Dissolved in water)
Honey
1/2 cup (Dissolved in water)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine 6 cups of water, 1/2 cup of kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of honey over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture until the salt and honey fully dissolve. Remove from heat and allow the brine to cool completely.
2
Once cooled, place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the cooled brine over the chicken, ensuring it's fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
3
After brining, drain the chicken and rinse it under cold water. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels and return them to the refrigerator while preparing the grill.
4
Prepare your grill for cooking; if using a charcoal grill, heat the coals until they are white and ashed over.
5
Begin grilling the chicken pieces with the grill cover open for a few minutes to achieve a nice sear. Rotate the chicken pieces frequently to avoid flare-ups and ensure even grilling.
6
After searing, cover the grill for indirect cooking. Open the lid and turn the chicken pieces every 15 minutes, cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear. The total grilling time should be around 1 hour, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
7
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey-Balsamic Grilled Chicken with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey-Balsamic Grilled Chicken?
Honey-Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a dish featuring chicken that has been brined in a honey and salt solution and then grilled to achieve a juicy, flavorful result with a sweet and tangy profile.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
The total grilling time is approximately 1 hour, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
What are the ingredients for the brine?
The brine consists of 6 cups of water, 1/2 cup of kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of honey.
How long should the chicken be brined?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the brine for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.
Why must the brine be cooled before adding the chicken?
The brine must be completely cool to prevent partially cooking the raw chicken and to ensure food safety.
Should I rinse the chicken after brining?
Yes, after brining, you should drain the chicken and rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt from the surface.
Why is it important to pat the chicken dry before grilling?
Patting the chicken dry with paper towels helps achieve a better sear and prevents the chicken from steaming on the grill.
How do I prepare a charcoal grill for this recipe?
Heat the coals until they are white and ashed over before you begin cooking.
What is the best way to start grilling the chicken?
Start by grilling the chicken pieces with the cover open for a few minutes to get a nice sear on the outside.
How can I prevent flare-ups on the grill?
Rotate the chicken pieces frequently while the lid is open to ensure even cooking and to avoid flare-ups from dripping fat.
What is the method for indirect cooking in this recipe?
After searing, cover the grill and turn the chicken pieces every 15 minutes until they are thoroughly cooked.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is thoroughly cooked through and the juices run clear.
Does the chicken need to rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill to allow the juices to redistribute.
What type of chicken is recommended?
A roasting chicken cut into pieces is ideal for this recipe.
Can I brine the chicken for longer than 4 hours?
It is recommended to brine for no more than 4 hours, as over-brining can make the meat too salty or change its texture.
What role does honey play in the brine?
Honey adds sweetness to the brine and helps with the browning and caramelization of the chicken skin on the grill.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this grilled chicken is excellent for meal prep as it stays juicy and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
How much water is used in the brine?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of cold water for the brine.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is used in this recipe because it dissolves well and provides a clean salty flavor.
Is this recipe good for large gatherings?
Absolutely, it is an ideal dish for barbecues, family dinners, and social gatherings.
What happens if I forget to rinse the chicken?
If not rinsed, the chicken may taste overly salty on the exterior.
Why use indirect heat for the majority of the cooking time?
Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook through to the bone without burning the skin, which is especially important due to the honey content.
Can I use this recipe for chicken breasts?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the grilling time significantly as breasts cook faster than bone-in pieces.
How many ingredients are required for the base recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: roasting chicken, water, kosher salt, and honey.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly grilled?
Frequent rotation during the searing phase and regular turning during the covered phase ensure even heat distribution.
Can I use a gas grill for this recipe?
Yes, simply preheat the gas grill and follow the same steps for searing and indirect cooking.
How do I dissolve the salt and honey?
Combine them with water in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until fully dissolved.
What should the texture of the chicken be like?
The chicken should be very moist and juicy due to the brining process, with a seared, slightly sweet skin.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
You can, but you should reduce the amount by about half, as table salt is much finer and denser than kosher salt.
What are some recommended sides?
This chicken pairs well with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, potato salad, or a fresh green salad.