Description
This marinade transforms ordinary chicken into juicy, flavorful grilled perfection. Made with pantry staples like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs, it creates tender meat with a beautiful caramelized crust.
Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
1. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, basil, pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
2. Pound chicken breasts to even 3/4 inch thickness. Poke chicken all over with a fork. Place chicken in large resealable bag or shallow dish.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup marinade in separate container for basting. Pour remaining marinade over chicken, making sure every piece is well coated.
4. Seal bag or cover dish and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, turning occasionally. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean and oil grill grates well.
6. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Discard used marinade. Place chicken on hot grill and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side without moving.
7. Flip chicken and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, basting with reserved fresh marinade. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Transfer to clean plate and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Never use marinade that raw chicken sat in for basting. Always reserve fresh marinade first.
Don’t marinate longer than 8 hours or texture becomes mushy.
Works beautifully with pork chops, shrimp, or salmon.
Can bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of grilling.
Store cooked chicken for 3-4 days or freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American