Easy Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Name: Easy Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Easy balsamic grilled chicken is a flavorful and juicy main dish that comes together with minimal ingredients and prep. Marinated in a tangy balsamic vinegar blend and grilled to perfection, this chicken is the perfect choice for summer barbecues, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers bold, sweet-tangy flavor with just a few pantry staples. The balsamic marinade not only infuses the chicken with taste but also helps tenderize it, keeping it juicy and tender on the grill. It’s versatile, naturally gluten-free, and pairs beautifully with everything from salads and grilled veggies to pasta and rice. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and great for batch cooking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Dijon mustard
Honey or maple syrup
Dried Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal or cover.
Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
Cook time: 10–14 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes to 9 hours (including marination)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Citrus Twist: Replace some of the balsamic with lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Herbaceous: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for an aromatic boost.
Meal Prep: Slice and store grilled chicken for salads, wraps, or bowls throughout the week.
Oven Method: No grill? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
This chicken also tastes great cold in salads or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time. Grill over indirect heat and use a thermometer to ensure doneness.

Is it okay to marinate overnight?

Absolutely. Overnight marination allows the flavors to develop fully and results in even more tender chicken.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook it on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven.

What should I serve with balsamic grilled chicken?

Great options include roasted vegetables, quinoa, pasta salad, green salad, or grilled corn.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is clean, well-oiled, and preheated before adding the chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, thighs work great and tend to be more flavorful and forgiving on the grill.

What’s a good substitute for honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar both work well as natural sweeteners in the marinade.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I double the marinade for extra sauce?

Yes, just reserve half before marinating and simmer it separately to serve as a drizzle after grilling.

Conclusion

Easy balsamic grilled chicken is a must-have recipe in your rotation. With its bold flavor, tender texture, and simple prep, it’s perfect for everything from summer cookouts to weeknight meals. Whether you serve it hot off the grill or sliced into salads and bowls, this dish is sure to become a favorite that you’ll return to again and again.