Make dinner easy and delicious with this Grilled Balsamic Chicken! A bold marinade + perfect grill marks = your new go-to chicken recipe! 😋🍴
Balsamic Chicken
Firing up the grill always reminds me of summer weekends at home. We’d gather on the patio, passing plates piled high with grilled veggies, fresh salads, and juicy chicken. One of the recipes I’ve made over and over again is this balsamic chicken. It’s the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and savory – and honestly, it’s the one dish my family requests constantly.
If you’re wondering how to make balsamic chicken that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy, this one’s for you. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this balsamic chicken recipe is a summer staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to serve at a cookout, this recipe for balsamic chicken delivers big flavor with very little fuss. And the best part? You can prep it ahead, toss it on the grill, and dinner’s done in under 20 minutes. This is one of those go-to dishes I keep in rotation, especially when I want something healthy and crowd-pleasing.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 7 simple pantry ingredients
- Bold, balanced flavors with minimal effort
- Easy to prep ahead and grill when ready
- Pairs perfectly with vegetables, salad, or rice
- A great balsamic chicken on grill recipe for beginners and pros alike
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- chicken breasts – substitute with boneless chicken thighs if preferred
- balsamic vinegar – substitute with red wine vinegar plus honey or maple syrup
- extra virgin olive oil – or another neutral-flavored oil. Avoid strongly flavored oils, such as sesame or coconut, which can overpower the marinade.
- brown sugar – substitute with honey or maple syrup
- garlic powder
- salt and black pepper
✨ Variations
- Top grilled chicken with mozzarella or goat cheese and fresh basil
- Use the marinade with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option
- Slice leftovers and serve cold on a salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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How to Make Balsamic Chicken
🔥 Tips
- Use a quality aged balsamic vinegar for the best flavor
- Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly
- Marinate at least 1 hour, but no longer than 24 hours
- Always preheat your grill for even cooking and grill marks
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling for juicy results
❓ FAQs
Yes, you can make the balsamic chicken on grill ahead and reheat it later.
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Yes, make sure they are fully thawed before marinating so the chicken absorbs the flavor evenly.
Aged balsamic vinegar offers the richest flavor, but any good quality balsamic will work well.
Yes! You can easily double the marinade for larger batches or to save some for drizzling over cooked chicken (make sure to separate it before adding raw chicken).
Letting the chicken sit out for about 15 minutes helps it cook more evenly, especially on a hot grill.
Yes! It works well with portobello mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. Also, avoid moving the chicken too early – it will naturally release once it sears.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Grilled Balsamic Chicken
Equipment
- shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
- grill or grill pan
- grill-safe thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined and sugar is dissolved.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
Refrigerate cooled balsamic chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
❄️ FREEZING
Freeze cooked and cooled balsamic chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices
- For best results in the oven or air fryer, avoid overcooking during reheating
🍳 TO COOK IN OVEN OR AIR FRYER
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place marinated chicken in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place chicken in a single layer and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Slice into salads, wraps, or sandwiches
- Dice and mix into pasta, rice bowls, or quesadillas
- Great cold, straight from the fridge for quick lunches
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
I’m Jamie, a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!
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