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When it comes to summer grilling, this balsamic chicken marinade is the one I come back to every single time. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, it delivers bold, tangy, savory flavor that works on any cut of chicken and comes together in about two minutes flat.
This balsamic marinade has been years in the making, tweaked and tested until it hit exactly the right balance. Balsamic vinegar brings the tang, olive oil adds richness, garlic gives it depth, and a pinch of sugar ties it all together. That is truly it.
No complicated ingredients, no special equipment, just a ziplock bag and a little time in the fridge. It works beautifully on chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and kabobs, making it the most versatile marinade in my rotation. This is one of my favorite chicken recipes!
Balsamic Chicken Marinade Ingredients
Seven simple ingredients that you almost certainly already have on hand. Here is what each one brings to the marinade:
- Olive Oil: The fat base of the marinade that helps it cling to the chicken and keeps everything juicy and tender on the grill.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The acid component that tenderizes the chicken while adding that rich, tangy, slightly sweet depth of flavor the whole marinade is built around.
- Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier that helps bind the oil and vinegar together while adding a subtle tangy depth to the overall flavor.
- Honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and mustard with natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized finish when grilled.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a bold, savory punch that infuses into the chicken as it marinates.
- Dried Basil: Brings a subtle, herby, Italian-inspired flavor that complements the balsamic beautifully.
- Salt: Seasons the chicken all the way through and enhances every other ingredient in the marinade.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a little bite that keeps the marinade from being one-note.
This recipe uses pantry staples, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a group. Measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken Marinade
This could not be simpler. Here is all it takes:
- Combine: Add all the ingredients to a ziplock bag or airtight container and mix well.
- Add: Place the chicken into the bag with the marinade and seal tightly, pressing out as much air as possible.
- Marinate: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the deepest flavor.
- Cook: Grill, bake, or pan sear the chicken using your preferred method until cooked through. Using a meat thermometer ensure the chicken reaches an Internal Temperature of 165 F
The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper and more developed the flavor will be. Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference, but a few hours is the sweet spot.
Substitutions and Variations
For a deeper, more complex flavor, a good quality aged balsamic vinegar is worth using here.
Fresh garlic is strongly preferred over garlic powder, but in a pinch garlic powder works fine.
Fresh basil can be substituted for dried at a ratio of about 3 to 1.
If you want to add a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a great addition.
This marinade also works wonderfully on pork tenderloin, shrimp, or vegetables if you want to branch out beyond chicken.
What to Eat with Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic chicken pairs well with so many sides and is incredibly versatile at the dinner table. Serve it over a bed of Easy Pesto Pasta Salad for a complete summer meal, or alongside Grilled Corn on the Cob and Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread for a backyard spread everyone will love.
It is also incredible sliced over a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of extra balsamic. However you serve it, this chicken is going to be the star of the plate.
Storage Tips
Leftover cooked balsamic chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep it from drying out.
The marinade itself can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week before using.
WARNING: Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless it has been brought to a full boil first.
This balsamic chicken marinade is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your summer grilling lineup. It is fast, flavorful, endlessly versatile, and made entirely from ingredients you already have. Fire up the grill and let this one do all the work for you!
Some Of Our Other Favorite Chicken Marinade Recipes To Make
Watch How This Marinade is Made…
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