Description

This Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that make for an irresistible summer favorite. Marinated with a blend of dark brown sugar, spices, and Dijon mustard, then grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is ideal for barbecue gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (can substitute with thighs for richer flavor)

Marinade & Rub

1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 teaspoon Ground Coriander (omit if you prefer a straightforward taste)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (sea salt works as an effective substitute)
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust to your heat preference or omit for milder flavor)
1 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (any neutral oil will suffice, plus more for brushing)

Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup Dijon Mustard (or whole grain mustard)
2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (or green onions, chopped)
Drizzle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Make the Marinade and Rub: In a mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, ground coriander, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice-sugar mixture all over the chicken breasts to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Also, brush each piece of marinated chicken lightly with extra-virgin olive oil before placing them on the grill.
Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the chicken grills, whisk together the Dijon mustard, chopped fresh chives, and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl. This tangy and fresh sauce complements the sweet and spicy grilled chicken perfectly.
Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with the prepared mustard-chive dipping sauce on the side for added flavor.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to penetrate better but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent texture changes.
You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer, juicier flavor.
Make sure grill grates are clean and oiled properly to avoid sticking.
The dipping sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet and spicy grilled chicken, grilled chicken recipe, summer chicken recipe, spicy chicken breast, easy grilled chicken