Balsamic Chicken Marinade delivers mouthwatering flavor in minutes—expect perfectly grilled chicken with hints of Dijon, garlic, and lemon.
Author’s Notes
Grill Season Game-Changer!
I love a good chicken marinade! I’m always grilling during the summer, so it’s fun to switch up the flavors and keep things interesting. This balsamic chicken marinade has been a huge hit at my home!
What makes this marinade extra great is that it pulls double duty. I split it into two parts; one portion marinates the chicken, and the other is brushed on top after cooking to add even more flavor.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe!
Balsamic Chicken Marinade Ingredients
The full recipe is below, but here are a few notes:
- Chicken breasts: Slice in half and pound to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds flavor and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
- Balsamic vinegar: The better the vinegar, the sweeter and richer the taste.
- Lemon: Fresh juice brightens flavors; add zest for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Olive oil: Keeps chicken juicy; extra virgin tastes best.
How to Make A Balsamic Chicken Marinade
- Prep the chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts into 4 even pieces.
- Make the marinade: Whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
- Marinate: Set aside 1/3 cup for later; pour the rest over the chicken.
- Grill: Cook chicken on a heated grill for 4–6 minutes per side.
- Serve: Top with the reserved marinade and add your favorite sides.
Helpful Tips
Here are some Balsamic Chicken Marinade cooking tips:
- Don’t marinate too long: Keep chicken in marinade for no more than 3 hours.
- Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Rest chicken: Let grilled chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs on chicken after grilling for more flavor.
- Grill marks = flavor: Press chicken onto the hot grill and only flip halfway through.
Serve It With
Here are some easy and tasty ideas for what to serve with Balsamic Chicken Marinade:
- Rice or quinoa: Soaks up any extra sauce and pairs well with the flavor.
- Roasted veggies: Try broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
- Grilled corn: Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Caprese salad: The flavors of this salad pair so well with the chicken.
- Crusty bread: To dip in any leftover sauce.
More Chicken Dinners To Love:
Dinner
Summer Chicken Recipe
Dinner
Citrus Chicken Marinade
Chicken
BBQ Chicken Bowl
Dinner
Pineapple Chicken
Balsamic Chicken Marinade
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan (or large pan)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (2 small) chicken breasts sliced in half to get 4 smaller pieces
- 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 large lemon
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Pound to even thickness.
- In a bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside 1/3 cup marinade for later use.
- Add the remaining marinade and chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Clean and oil grill grates. Preheat grill to medium heat (400–450°F). Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Brush chicken with 2 tablespoons of the reserved marinade while grilling.
- Drizzle remaining marinade over chicken before serving.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
