Balsamic Grilled Chicken

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If plain grilled chicken has ever let you down, this recipe will fix that fast. My Balsamic Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and just the right mix of tangy and sweet thanks to a quick honey-balsamic marinade. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. You’ll make it once and immediately add it to your regular dinner lineup.

Three grilled chicken breasts garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a white oval plate, with a black napkin and fresh herbs nearby.


 

Ingredient Notes + Variations

The ingredients here pull double duty. They add flavor and keep the chicken tender and juicy. It’s all about that balance between sweet, savory, and tangy.

  • Balsamic Vinegar – The star of the show. It adds a rich, tangy depth that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
  • Honey – Sweetens things up and helps create that gorgeous glaze on the chicken.
  • Garlic – Fresh is best here. It gives the marinade its bite.
  • Italian Seasoning – The mix of herbs rounds out the flavor with an earthy, aromatic kick.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken 2

How to Make Grilled Chicken

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Mix up a quick marinade, let the chicken soak up all that flavor, and throw it on the grill. You’ll have tender, juicy perfection in under 30 minutes of cook time.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a measuring cup or shallow bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken breasts to a zip bag (or shallow dish) and coat evenly with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (4 hours max).

Step 3: Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165° F.

Step 4: Rest + Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay right where they belong… in the chicken.

Tips for Success

  • Use a meat thermometer. It’s the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked grilled chicken.
  • Don’t skip the resting step. It’s key for juicy results.
  • Double the marinade and set some aside before adding raw chicken to use later as a glaze.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
Grilled chicken breasts, some whole and some sliced, served on a white plate and garnished with chopped parsley.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken

This Balsamic Grilled Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s quick, flavorful, and makes you look like you actually planned dinner. The recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends!

Grilled chicken breasts, one sliced and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white plate with herbs in the background.

Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Katie Cooksey
Balsamic Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and soaked in a tangy-sweet marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Every bite hits that perfect balance of savory and bright, making it an instant dinner favorite.
Be the first to rate this recipe!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
marinating time 30 minutes
Total Time 54 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 241 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from bowl and discard excess marinade.
  • Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it juicy. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up when ready to serve.
Make Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken up to a day in advance, then just grill when you’re ready.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 24gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 426mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 43IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Balsamic Chicken, grilled chicken
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Variations

  • Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
  • Add a splash of soy sauce to the marinade for a slightly smoky, umami twist.
  • Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
  • Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme for more herbal flavor.

More Chicken Recipes to Try

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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Hi, I'm Katie, a professional recipe developer who spends countless hours perfecting recipes so you can know with confidence that what you see is exactly what you’ll get.

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