This simple, delicious Balsamic Chicken Marinade adds incredible flavor and juiciness to chicken breasts – with just a few pantry staples!
Gather This
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy chicken marinade. For the full ingredient list, jump to the printable recipe card.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – it is helpful to trim off any excess fat. You can also use chicken thighs, drumsticks or other cuts of chicken.
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Rosemary
- Minced garlic
- Coarse sea salt
- Ground pepper
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – I like using garlic salt to season this chicken. If you feel they need more, start with a pinch of fine sea salt.
- Seasonings – I use a simple blend of brown sugar, garlic, ground pepper and garlic salt. To bring up the spice level, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sauces – This balsamic chicken marinade is delicious as is. However, you can dip this chicken in bbq sauce, ranch or any other sauce you’d like.
- Swaps – Try swapping the brown sugar for another sweet element like honey or maple syrup. You can also swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs- just keep in mind the cooking time may change.
- Senses – While the chicken is grilling, an slightly sweet and garlicky aroma fills the air. The sticky sweet glaze makes them finger licking good!
Make It A Meal!
This grilled chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile and goes with numerous salads and side dishes. Here are some of our favorite side dish recipes that go with this balsamic chicken marinade:
- Any type of potatoes including Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Bombay Potatoes or even Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
- Sauteed Carrots and other veggies.
- Starches like Rice Pilaf, Parmesan Garlic Linguine or Toasted Couscous.
Balsamic Chicken Marinade Recipe
These simple, delicious Balsamic Chicken Marinade Recipe adds amazing flavor and juiciness to your chicken breasts!
Servings:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, minced 3-4 cloves fresh garlic , minced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt until the sugar dissolves. Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade before adding the raw chicken. Set aside for basting.
- Place the 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish or pan. Remove any excess fat and pat dry with paper towels. Pour the balsamic marinade over the chicken, turning over to ensure all sides are coated with the glaze. Cover and marinade for 1-24 hours. I don't recommend marinating longer than 24 hours to avoid a change in texture.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F) and oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard extra marinade.
- Cook on indirect heat for 20-25 minutes, turning, occasionally, or until internal temperture of chicken reaches 165°F. Right before removing from the grill, baste with the 1/3 cup reserved marinade over direct heat to get a nice char. Cooking times will vary greatly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Remove and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley as a garnish, if desired.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how you liked it in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
How To Pan Fry-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Sear chicken breasts on each side, approximately 5-6 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.How to Store
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cooked chicken thighs will last for up to five days.Can I Freeze Chicken Thighs?
You can store these chicken thighs in the air fryer in the freezer for up to six months. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.Nutrition
Calories: 378 kcal, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 33 g, Fat: 21 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12 g, Trans Fat: 0.03 g, Cholesterol: 162 mg, Sodium: 450 mg, Potassium: 462 mg, Fiber: 0.1 g, Sugar: 12 g, Vitamin A: 42 IU, Vitamin C: 0.5 mg, Calcium: 33 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
More Easy Chicken Recipes
We have loads of chicken recipes and even some made in the air fryer!
Your blog is proof that cooking can be both delicious and approachable. Thank you for sharing!
I don’t have an air fryer but this chicken looks delicious so I’m adding to my bucket list to get one! And bookmarking this recipe!
I love how quick and easy these chicken thighs are to make. Perfect for my family.
I love the flavor that the balsamic vinegar gave this chicken. Such an easy and delicious dinner.
Another great way to put my airfryer to good use!