Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish Chicken Recipe: Sweet and Savory Grilled Delight

This grilled chicken recipe transforms a simple protein into a sweet and savory masterpiece with minimal effort. The Harry & David relish adds depth and complexity that elevates every bite.

Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate, then grill to juicy perfection. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a caramelized finish that impresses every time.

Ingredients for Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish Chicken

Transform simple chicken with bold, sweet-savory flavors from this premium relish and marinade.

The relish is non-negotiable here. Harry & David’s Pepper and Onion Relish (available online or at Costco and specialty grocers) delivers the signature sweet-tangy depth. For the chicken, air-chilled breasts yield better texture than water-bathed. Look for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking, or pound them yourself—worth the extra minute.

No Harry & David relish? Homemade pepper-onion chutney works if you’ve got time to simmer. Swap honey for maple syrup if needed, but it changes the flavor profile slightly. Tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. The thyme can be dried at one-third the amount, but fresh makes a noticeable difference.

Marinate no longer than 4 hours—the vinegar starts breaking down the chicken. Leftovers keep 4-5 days refrigerated or freeze for 3 months. The relish itself stays good for 1 year unopened in the pantry.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish Chicken

This method ensures perfectly caramelized chicken with a balanced sweet-savory glaze every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Even Cooking

Begin by pounding the 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This guarantees uniform cooking and prevents dry, overdone edges while the center finishes.

Place the pounded chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. This preparation step creates the ideal surface area for maximum marinade absorption, ensuring every bite delivers the full spectrum of flavors.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup Olive Oil, 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 tbsp Honey, 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced), 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tsp Kosher Salt, 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tbsp Brown Sugar, and 1 tbsp Lemon Juice.

The combination of sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and umami-rich soy sauce creates a complex flavor base. The Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, binding the ingredients into a cohesive marinade that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Stir in the 0.75 cup Harry & David Pepper and Onion Relish until fully incorporated. This signature ingredient adds chunks of sweet peppers and onions that will caramelize beautifully during cooking.

Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor Infusion

Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Press the chicken into the marinade to eliminate any air pockets between the meat and the liquid.

Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The extended marinating time allows the acid in the vinegar and lemon juice to tenderize the meat while the salt and sugars penetrate deeply, resulting in exceptionally flavorful and moist chicken.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, but don’t wipe it clean—the marinade will create a beautiful glaze as it cooks.

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Resist the urge to move the chicken frequently; let it develop a deep golden crust before flipping. The sugars in the honey and relish will caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful exterior.

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with any remaining marinade to build layers of flavor. Watch for flare-ups from the sugars in the marinade and adjust your grill position if needed.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a clean platter and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each serving remains moist and tender.

Slice the chicken against the grain and serve with additional Harry & David Pepper and Onion Relish spooned over the top. The residual heat from the chicken will warm the relish slightly, enhancing its natural sweetness and complementing the grilled flavors perfectly.

Creative Variations of This Recipe

Spicy Kick Variation

Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the marinade for those who love heat. The sweetness of the relish balances the spice perfectly. I sometimes mix in 1 tbsp sriracha for an extra layer of complexity. 🌶️

Baked Option

For indoor cooking, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes after marinating. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to ensure even browning. Baste with marinade every 10 minutes for maximum flavor.

Thigh Alternative

Swap chicken breasts for 1.5 lb boneless thighs for juicier results. Reduce grilling time to 5-6 minutes per side since thighs cook faster. The relish pairs especially well with darker meat.

Sweet Glaze Boost

Brush the chicken with 2 tbsp apricot jam mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice during the last 2 minutes of grilling. This creates a glossy, caramelized finish that takes the dish to another level.

Asian-Inspired Twist

Replace the soy sauce with 3 tbsp coconut aminos and add 1 tbsp grated ginger to the marinade. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. The relish’s sweetness complements these flavors beautifully.

Slow Cooker Method

Place marinated chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours. Add ¼ cup chicken broth to prevent drying. Shred before serving for sandwiches or tacos. 💡

Frequently Asked Questions