Honey Basil Grilled Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe Category: Chicken Breast
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Free of…, < 30 Mins
This Honey Basil Grilled Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for those warm summer days when you want a flavorful dish without turning on the oven. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and can be grilled or broiled, making it a versatile option for any cookout or weeknight dinner. Paired with a light rice dish and a refreshing spinach salad, it’s a well-balanced meal. To finish off the evening, why not serve a cool, creamy key-lime pie to create the perfect summer meal?
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 2/3 cup |
| Honey | 2/3 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh ground pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast halves | 2 breasts (about 1 lb) |
| Yellow sweet peppers (sliced into 1-2″ pieces) | 2 peppers (about 2 cups) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 355 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 34.2 mg |
| Sodium | 45.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 61.8 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 50.4 g |
| Protein | 15.8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, chopped fresh basil, honey, olive oil, fresh ground pepper, and minced garlic cloves. Stir everything together until fully incorporated. This marinade will infuse the chicken and vegetables with vibrant flavors. -
Prepare the Peppers:
Wash the yellow sweet peppers and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. These sweet peppers will add a burst of color and sweetness when grilled alongside the chicken. -
Marinate the Chicken and Peppers:
Place the boneless skinless chicken breast halves and the sliced peppers into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared honey basil marinade over the chicken and peppers. Seal the bag tightly and shake gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the marinade. -
Refrigerate and Marinate:
Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the chicken and peppers to marinate for at least 3 hours. Turn the bag a few times during this period to ensure the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the marinade. -
Cook the Chicken and Peppers:
After marinating, remove the chicken and peppers from the bag. Set aside the remaining marinade for later use. Transfer the marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. -
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, lightly spray the grill rack with cooking spray. -
Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and close the lid. Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to add extra flavor and moisture. -
Grill the Peppers:
While the chicken is grilling, place the peppers in a grilling basket or on skewers. Grill the peppers for about 5 minutes on each side until they are tender and slightly charred. If you prefer, you can also broil the chicken and peppers in the oven as an alternative. -
Broiler Alternative:
If you choose to cook the chicken and peppers in the oven, preheat your broiler to medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken and peppers in a single layer on a broiler pan sprayed with cooking spray. Broil 5-6 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes, then turn the chicken and peppers and baste with the marinade. Continue broiling for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. -
Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked and the peppers are tender, serve the Honey Basil Grilled Chicken with the grilled peppers on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice and a refreshing spinach salad. For a sweet, zesty finish, consider serving a cool key-lime pie as dessert.
Tips for Success:
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Marinating: The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful it will be. If you can, marinate it overnight for an even deeper flavor.
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Grilling Tips: Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling to avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the right temperature.
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Broiling Option: If you prefer not to grill, broiling is a great alternative. Just be sure to keep the chicken and peppers under the heat for the appropriate amount of time to get that delicious charred flavor.
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Side Dish Suggestions: To complete the meal, serve this dish with a simple side of steamed rice or quinoa. A spinach salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Review
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9 reviews
Average Rating: 5/5 stars
This Honey Basil Grilled Chicken has been a favorite among our readers, who love how easy it is to prepare and
