If you’re looking for a chicken dish that bursts with flavor yet feels effortlessly elegant, this Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy, slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette, kissed by the char of the grill, and seasoned perfectly to highlight every bite. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for a dinner party but simple enough to make any night feel like one. Once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to classics that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create the magic here. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, balancing acidity, sweetness, and spice for a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a standout dish.
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up marinades.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly for moisture and flavor.
- 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar: Provides that deep, tangy sweetness that defines this recipe.
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens the flavors and tenderizes the meat just enough.
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar: Balances the acidity with a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory punch that blends perfectly with the other spices.
- ½ tsp. dried thyme: Lends a gentle herbaceous note that complements the balsamic vinegar beautifully.
- ½ tsp. paprika: Adds a dash of smoky color and mild warmth.
- 1 tsp. salt (plus more to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- ½ tsp. black pepper (plus more to taste): Provides a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay juicy. Cutting the breasts into six 4-ounce pieces lets you grill them quickly while making sure the marinade penetrates deeply. Poking holes with a fork helps the marinade seep in, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a luscious marinade. Pour it over the chicken pieces in a ziplock bag and gently massage the marinade into every nook and cranny. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but ideally up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion. This step is where the magic truly begins, as the chicken soaks up all those vibrant notes.
Step 3: Prepare the grill
Before grilling, bring the chicken to room temperature if it’s been in the fridge for more than an hour, which helps it cook evenly. Preheat the grill to high heat, then clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Place the chicken on the grill with the smooth side down, shaking off any excess marinade to prevent flare-ups. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. If the chicken sticks when you try to flip it, be patient and give it another minute or two to release naturally.
Step 5: Flip and finish grilling
Flip the chicken breasts carefully, cover the grill again, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure juiciness without drying out. Remove the chicken, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Serve Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a fresh, herbal brightness to the dish. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a little extra zing if they like. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little more balsamic reduction over the chicken just before serving to highlight the balsamic notes and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with vibrant, simple sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or even fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious juices. Roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes also complement this grilled chicken beautifully, creating a satisfying and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the grilled chicken breasts and serving them on top of a bed of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan for a fresh and easy salad dinner. Alternatively, use the chicken as a protein-packed topping for flatbreads or pizzas, paired with mozzarella and caramelized onions. The versatility of this Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe means you can get creative and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container or bag. To maintain optimal texture and flavor, consume within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently to prevent drying out—either in a low-heat oven wrapped in foil or briefly on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
While boneless skinless breasts are ideal for even marinating and grilling, you can use bone-in breasts if you adjust grilling time accordingly. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through, so monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid undercooking.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the chicken before marinating?
Poking holes helps the marinade penetrate more deeply, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get a tasty result, just slightly less infused.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet to get those nice sear marks. You can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for flavor, but for best results, marinate overnight. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too mushy due to the acid content.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be mixed ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe is an absolute gem for anyone who loves flavorful, easy-to-make meals that never disappoint. The balance of tangy balsamic with sweet and savory notes ensures every bite feels special, yet the recipe remains incredibly approachable. Once you’ve grilled these up, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again, confident it will bring smiles and satisfied appetites to your table.
Print
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts recipe offers a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken option, marinated in a tangy blend of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and a mix of spices. Perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for summer grilling or any time you crave a deliciously seasoned grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
- ½ tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp. black pepper (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts inside a gallon-sized ziplock bag and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they reach approximately ½-inch thickness. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into six equal 4-ounce pieces. Using a fork, poke 7-8 holes into each piece to allow the marinade to penetrate. Return the pieces to the ziplock bag, ensuring the bag remains intact.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken in the ziplock bag, seal it leaving a small opening for air to escape, and massage the chicken so all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for more flavor, up to overnight.
- Prepare the grill: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if it has been chilled for more than an hour. Preheat the grill to high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Shake off excess marinade and place the chicken pieces smooth side down on the hot grill. Close the grill lid and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. If the chicken sticks when attempting to flip, allow it to cook a bit longer, another 1-2 minutes until it releases easily.
- Flip the chicken: Turn the chicken over and close the grill lid again. Continue grilling for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and place on a serving plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This rest period helps the juices redistribute and finishes the cooking process.
- Serve: Serve the chicken immediately, seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste if desired. Enjoy your flavorful balsamic grilled chicken as a main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- If using a charcoal grill, ensure coals are evenly heated for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid under or overcooking.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps retain moisture and tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
