Okay friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share a secret weapon. What is a recipe for Balsamic Grilled Chicken? Imagine grilled chicken bursting with tangy, savory goodness. Is it easier to make a whole roast chicken? My family practically inhales it every time I make it – and they are picky eaters, so that’s saying something. If you love easy dinners that are packed with flavor, prepare to be obsessed.
What is balsamic grilled chicken?
What is balsamic grilled chicken? What’s essentially perfectly grilled chicken that has been marinated in a glorious balsamic vinegar? Think of it as a more sophisticated, incredibly flavorful version of your basic grilled chicken. The balsamic vinegar tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a sweet and tangy depth. I’m a beginner cook. It’s so easy. Don’t let the “balsamic” part intimidate you; it is a Is balsamic vinegar a pantry staple? The char from the grill caramelizes the sugars in the marinade, creating a beautiful, almost sprinkling of color. What is a candy What is the perfect balance of savory and sweet? I need something quick, easy, and satisfying.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways!flavorIs this world out of the world? The balsamic marinade creates this sweet, tangy, and savory explosion that’s just irresistible. What is so much more than grilled chicken?simplicityIs it really necessary to whisk together the marinade ingredients and then it’s just a matter of minutes? How do I soak up the flavor of chicken? I love that I don’t have to babysit for hours in the oven. I like that it’s super quick.Cost-Is a big win, too? What is balsamic vinegar and why is it a pantry staple? The other ingredients are super basic, so it’s easy on the wallet.versatilityCan you serve this balsamic grilled chicken in so many ways? On salads, in sandwiches, with pasta, over rice, or just straight up with some grilled veggies. What I love about this is that even though it tastes fancy, it’s totally achievable on a busy day. I always make extra and use it in my lunch salad the next day. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
How do you make balsamic grilled chicken?
Quick Overview
How do you make Balsamic Grilled Chicken? What’s the best way to marinate chicken in balsamic? Is it possible to grill a chicken for 30 minutes? What is the magic in marinade? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! This method is special because it’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and delivers incredible flavor.
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Marinade:
* 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar – I use a good quality Balsamico, but nothing too fancy! What is the best cheap stuff I can buy?
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – I like extra strong flavor.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in the marinade flavor.
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – This adds a lovely tang and helps emulsify the marinade.
* 1 tablespoon honey – For a touch of sweetness and to balance the acidity of the balsamic.
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs – Use a mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
For the chicken: What is the recipe
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 6-8 ounces each. Can you use Chicken Thighs?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. Honey, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure everything is nicely emulsified. I always do this in a glass bowl so the balsamic doesn’t stain!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. How do I marinate chicken breasts in balsamic? Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be. If you’re marinating for more than a few hours, make sure it’s in the fridge!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. I always use a grill brush and then rub the oil on with paper towel. What makes a difference?
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinades. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. I always insert it into the thickest part of the breast.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. The juices are redistributed, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. I usually tent it with foil while it’s resting. Serve immediately and enjoy!
5. What to Serve It With
What are some of my favorite ways to serve Balsamic Grilled Chicken?
What’s a good quick weeknight dinner?Serve with a side salad and some roasted vegetables. What are some good vegetables to eat: asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers?
For a summery BBQ: What are some goodWhat are some of the best chicken sandwich ideas? What are some good ways to serve lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli?
What is a healthy lunch?What are some ways to serve grilled chicken with salad? What is balsa
For a pasta night: What is the best pastaToss the grilled chicken with cooked pasta, pesto, and some cherry tomatoes. Is it tasteful?
My family loves it served over rice with steamed broccoli. Is this a simple and satisfying meal? Is quinoa a good alternative to oats? When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make a caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with Balsamic Grilled Chicken? What does it really mean to be a crowd pleaser?
What are some tips for perfecting balsamic grilled chicken?
What are some tips and tricks to make sure your Balsamic Grilled Chicken is perfectly grilled? Chicken is always perfect.
What is Marinating TimeDon’t skip the marinating step. It’s crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderizing it. The longer it marinates, the better. I usually aim for 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat (about 350-400°F). If the grill is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through on the inside. If it’s too low, the chicken will take longer to cook and may dry out.
Doneness Test: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time! Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Marinade Variations: Feel free to experiment with the marinade! You can add a little brown sugar for extra sweetness, some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or some lemon juice for added tanginess. I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, you can definitely use them in this recipe. They’re a little more forgiving than chicken breasts and tend to stay more moist during grilling. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
I learned the hard way to always pat the chicken dry before grilling. If it’s too wet, it will steam instead of sear and you won’t get those beautiful grill marks. Also, don’t overcrowd the grill! Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to maintain the grill temperature. And remember, never use the marinade that touched raw chicken as a sauce without boiling it first!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your Balsamic Grilled Chicken:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze leftover grilled chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each Chicken Breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the grilled chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re planning on making this recipe ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken, grill it, and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer. The glaze is best added right before serving for optimal flavor and texture, but it’s still great if you store it with the chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Balsamic Grilled Chicken. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and totally customizable to your tastes. The incredible taste and simplicity of this recipe are really what make it special! If you’re looking for more quick and delicious grilling recipes, check out my other blog posts. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share those too! Happy grilling!
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 0.25 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
