Grilled Balsamic Chicken combines the smoky flavor of perfectly grilled chicken with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, complemented by a sweet honey touch. The marinade locks in moisture, creating a juicy and tender result with every bite.
This dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or need a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner, this grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them.
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Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for more flavor.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 24 minutes | Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Grilled Balsamic Chicken?
When it comes to preparing grilled chicken, the marinade plays a crucial role in infusing the meat with flavor. A balsamic vinegar marinade is ideal because it not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a rich, tangy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. The acidity in balsamic vinegar helps break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender piece of meat after grilling. Honey and Dijon mustard are commonly used in this marinade to add depth and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. This combination makes the dish a crowd-pleaser for any type of meal, from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions or barbecues.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a delicious dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, Grilled Balsamic Chicken is an ideal recipe for busy individuals or families. It takes minimal preparation, and the marinating time can be adjusted according to your schedule. For those in a rush, even a 30-minute marinade can result in a flavorful meal, though allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours or even overnight will only deepen the flavors. In just 30 minutes to 1 hour, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table that requires little more than a salad or some roasted vegetables as a side dish.
Perfect for Grilling Season and Beyond
Grilling season is a time to enjoy the outdoors, fire up the grill, and cook up flavorful meals with friends and family. Grilled Balsamic Chicken is the perfect recipe to add to your repertoire for these summer months. The smoky flavors from the grill, paired with the tangy sweetness of the marinade, make for a delicious meal that will be the star of your next cookout or BBQ. You can also serve it alongside grilled veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob, to make for a well-rounded, healthy, and delicious meal.
Even outside the traditional grilling season, this recipe is great for an indoor grill or stovetop grilling during the cooler months. It’s a recipe that doesn’t rely on the weather to be enjoyed and can easily be adapted for any time of year.
Versatility in Sides and Pairings
One of the best things about Grilled Balsamic Chicken is how well it pairs with various sides. For a lighter meal, you could serve the chicken on top of a bed of fresh greens, such as arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. A simple lemon vinaigrette dressing would work wonderfully with the sweetness of the chicken. For a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes would complement the grilled chicken perfectly. Grilled balsamic chicken can also be paired with quinoa or couscous for a healthy whole grain option, or served with a creamy pasta salad for a more indulgent dish.
For those who prefer a more savory or Mediterranean-inspired side, grilled vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt are a great match. A side of roasted potatoes, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, also makes for a flavorful and hearty accompaniment to the dish. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to tailor to your family’s taste preferences.
How to Customize the Marinade
Although the balsamic vinegar marinade in the recipe is a perfect match for grilled chicken, there are several ways to customize it to suit your specific tastes. For example, if you prefer a more intense sweetness, you can increase the amount of honey used in the marinade. If you enjoy a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add some heat to the dish.
In addition to balsamic vinegar, many people like to experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, to bring their own twist to the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or tarragon to the marinade can complement the balsamic vinegar and provide a wonderful fragrance during grilling. Fresh garlic and citrus zest (like lemon or orange) can also be added to brighten up the marinade and bring in even more flavor complexity.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Grilled Balsamic Chicken
For the best results when grilling Balsamic Chicken, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and develop a nice sear on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Second, it’s important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. If you cut into the chicken right away, the juices will escape, leaving you with a dry piece of meat.
Finally, don’t forget to brush the chicken with some extra marinade while grilling. This will help keep it moist and add even more flavor. Just be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken for Meal Prep
Grilled Balsamic Chicken is also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can prepare a batch of this chicken at the beginning of the week and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it easy to have a quick and healthy meal ready to go. The chicken works wonderfully in salads, wraps, or as a protein-packed topping for grain bowls. You can even slice the chicken and add it to sandwiches or serve it alongside a refreshing slaw for a light yet filling lunch option.
Conclusion
In summary, Grilled Balsamic Chicken is a versatile, delicious, and easy recipe that works perfectly for a variety of occasions. The combination of smoky grilled chicken with the tangy and sweet flavors from the balsamic vinegar marinade is a crowd-pleaser, and the dish can be paired with a wide range of sides to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is one that you will turn to time and time again. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a recipe that anyone can master, even those with little experience in the kitchen. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this mouthwatering dish today!