Looking for a unique way to spice up your weeknight dinners? This Raspberry Chicken recipe blends sweet and savory flavors for a dish that tastes almost like dessert. My kids loved it! The sweetness of raspberry preserves and honey perfectly balances the heat from cayenne pepper and tangy Dijon mustard. You’ll want to make this Raspberry Chicken again and again!

What is in Raspberry Chicken?

• Fresh Raspberries or Raspberry Preserves: Fresh raspberries bring a bright, natural sweetness to the dish, while raspberry preserves offer a more concentrated flavor. Both options provide a delicious base for the marinade, giving the chicken a fruity, slightly tart glaze.
• Raspberry Vinegar: This tangy vinegar adds a subtle acidity that enhances both sweet and savory elements. It’s a fantastic ingredient for balancing out the richness of the sauce and really makes the raspberry flavor pop. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home if you can’t find it at the store.
• Olive Oil: A staple in any kitchen, olive oil is perfect for pan-frying or grilling chicken. It not only keeps the chicken juicy but also helps carry the flavors of the garlic and spices throughout the dish. The healthy fats in olive oil also make it a heart-friendly choice.
• Honey: The natural sweetness of honey complements the raspberries and cuts through the heat from the cayenne pepper. It adds a caramelized finish when grilling, making every bite of chicken both sweet and savory.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves add a punch of flavor and a bit of earthiness to the marinade. Combined with the mustard and raspberries, the garlic helps create a well-rounded, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you love a little kick, cayenne pepper is your go-to ingredient. It balances the sweetness from the honey and raspberries by adding just the right amount of heat, transforming this dish into a sweet-and-spicy delight.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the sweetness, giving the chicken an extra layer of complexity. It brings all the flavors together while adding depth to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential. A good sprinkle of salt and pepper elevates the flavors of the marinade, allowing the raspberry and spice combination to truly shine.
• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and a blank canvas for the raspberry marinade, chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. When pounded to an even thickness, they absorb the flavors beautifully and cook evenly, whether you’re grilling or pan-frying them.

How to Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Pound out the chicken breast to a consistent thickness so it cooks evenly. Place the chicken breasts in a ziploc bag and pound them out with the flat side of a meat mallet. I aim for 1/2 inch thick. At this thickness the chicken cooks quickly but maintains the juiciness we all want in our chicken.

Raspberry Chicken Marinade

For the marinade, you’ve got two options: fresh raspberries or homemade raspberry preserves. If you go the preserves route, you might not need as much honey since the preserves are already sweet. The combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of kick, turning this sweet sauce into a savory masterpiece. Let the chicken marinate in this delicious mixture for at least 12 hours, or even up to 24 for maximum flavor.

How to Grill Raspberry Chicken

• Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375-400°F.
• Direct Heat: Place the marinated chicken directly on the grill grates. For those perfect grill marks, angle the chicken at 45 degrees.
• Grill Time: Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Rest the Chicken: Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This locks in all the juices, giving you tender, juicy chicken every time.

How to Pan-Fry Raspberry Chicken

No grill? No problem! You can easily pan-fry this chicken too.

• Preheat the Pan: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.
• Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan, cooking each side for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temp hits 165°F.
• Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-Frying Without Breading

Even without breading, this cooking method is still considered pan-frying. The oil creates a nice sear, giving the chicken a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Plus, without breading, the flavors of the marinade really shine through!

Give this Raspberry Chicken a try, and watch how the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy combo wins over everyone at the table!

Enjoy Raspberry Recipes? Here are some more.

• Raspberry Honey Mustard Dip pairs great with homemade pretzels
• Barbeque Chicken Flatbread Pizza is made with Raspberry Barbeque Sauce
• Raspberry Chicken uses Raspberry Vinegar and Raspberry Preserves