Heart-Healthy Grilled Chicken with Barbecue Sauce

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Heart-Healthy Grilled Chicken with Barbecue Sauce—a deliciously easy recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for health-conscious eaters. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a homemade barbecue sauce crafted with low-sodium ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a medley of smoky spices, ensuring maximum taste with minimal sodium. A quick grill on medium-high heat locks in the natural juiciness while adding a smoky char that pairs beautifully with the tangy, lightly sweet barbecue glaze. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a simple cooking process, this nutritious dish is ideal for busy weeknights or summer cookouts. Serve it alongside fresh greens or steamed veggies for a well-rounded, guilt-free meal your whole family will love. Perfect for those looking to enjoy bold flavors while staying mindful of their heart health!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup low-sodium ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, low-sodium ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and optional liquid smoke to form the barbecue sauce.

Step 2

Reserve 1/4 cup of the prepared barbecue sauce for basting later.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.

Step 4

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.

Step 6

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting with the reserved barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

Step 7

Remove the grilled chicken from the grill, let rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute within the meat.

Step 8

Serve the heart-healthy grilled chicken warm, with your favorite sides such as a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(908.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1621.5

Total Fat 53.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 635.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g	0%
Total Sugars 41.7g
Protein 217.1g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 113.4mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 1976.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.6%

Protein: 55.1%

Carbs: 14.3%