Balsamic Chicken Marinade
This balsamic chicken marinade transforms basic pantry staples into a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet glaze that makes chicken juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling, baking, or searing. It’s fast, reliable, and deeply delicious.
Equipment
- mixing bowl or jar
- whisk
- resealable bag or dish
- meat thermometer
- grill, oven, or skillet
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and seasoning until fully blended.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken and coat thoroughly.
- Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours.
- Cook using preferred method: grill, bake, sear, or air fry until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use aged balsamic vinegar for a deeper, smoother finish. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours max (or overnight for thighs). Great with grilled veggies, quinoa, or on a salad. Freeze chicken directly in the marinade for make-ahead ease.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.9mg