Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet-tangy balsamic mixture, then grilled to perfection.
The marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating complex flavors with minimal effort.
A versatile protein that works for everything from weeknight dinners to summer entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary until well combined.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even thickness if needed (about 3/4 inch thick).
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
- Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours (maximum 8 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve remaining marinade for basting.
- Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the first 10 minutes of cooking, brush occasionally with reserved marinade.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
For best results, use a good quality balsamic vinegar.
For a more intense flavor, make a separate balsamic reduction by simmering 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey until reduced by half, then drizzle over the finished chicken.
This chicken can be served hot, at room temperature, or chilled for meal prep.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 4-5 oz cooked chicken)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 345
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: balsamic grilled chicken, balsamic chicken marinade, grilled chicken recipe, balsamic glaze, summer chicken dinner