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Balsamic chicken marinated in a savory blend of garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Balsamic Chicken Marinade

A simple yet flavorful balsamic chicken marinade that keeps chicken juicy and tender, perfect for grilling any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons Honey or brown sugar For a gentle sweetness
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Optional but recommended for flavor
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • pinch Dried Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes For variations
  • 1 squeeze Lemon Optional for extra zest
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs recommended for juiciness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  2. Taste the marinade; it should be bold and slightly sharp.
  3. Option 1: Place chicken in a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and shake to coat.
  4. Option 2: Place chicken in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and flip the pieces to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the desired flavor intensity.
Grilling
  1. Preheat the grill to medium to medium-high heat and clean the grates.
  2. Oil the grill grates lightly.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Grill chicken with the lid closed for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not reuse marinade as a sauce; make a fresh one if desired. Ensure even thickness in chicken pieces for uniform cooking.