Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is a dish that brings together juicy chicken and a tangy marinade, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, prepping a healthy weeknight dinner, or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe fits seamlessly into your meal plans. The combination of balsamic vinegar and spices creates a delightful flavor that elevates the chicken to new heights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can marinate the chicken and let it soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Flavorful Marinade: The blend of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for grilling, this chicken works great in salads, sandwiches, or served alongside your favorite sides.
- Healthy Option: Each serving offers lean protein with minimal carbohydrates, making it suitable for various diets including Paleo and Whole30.
- Impressive Presentation: Grill marks create an appealing look that makes this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar, make sure you have the right tools on hand to simplify the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Ziploc bag or container with snap-tight lid
- Mortar and pestle or spice grinder (optional)
- Colander
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: This is essential for achieving those perfect grill marks while infusing smoky flavor into the chicken.
- Ziploc Bag/Container: Helps in marinating the chicken evenly without mess.
- Mortar and Pestle/Spice Grinder: These tools enhance your spices’ flavors by releasing their essential oils when ground fresh.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar features simple ingredients that combine for a flavorful dish.
For the Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade
- 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried shallots or onion (or 2 tablespoons minced fresh shallots or onion)
- 1 tablespoon Spike seasoning (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- If desired, use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to grind together the dried parsley, dried shallots (or onions), Spike seasoning, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and the ground spices to create your marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Trim any fat from the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Make small slits crosswise along each breast to allow better marinade absorption.
- Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or container flat. Pour the marinade over it and seal. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours (or longer if desired).
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
- Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Drain it in a colander to remove excess marinade. Allow it to reach room temperature while heating your grill.
- Oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in oil or non-stick spray. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
- Once heated, lay each piece of chicken diagonally across the grates. Cook for about 3 minutes until you see grill marks.
- Rotate each piece diagonally in the opposite direction and cook for a few more minutes until grill marks form on both sides.
Step 5: Check Doneness
- Flip each piece of chicken once it’s marked nicely. Cook until browned on both sides and firm but not hard when touched. Cooking time may vary based on thickness; aim for firm but tender chicken.
This Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar will not only delight your taste buds but also impress anyone lucky enough to share your meal!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Serve with Fresh Vegetables
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus spears add a crunchy texture and complement the chicken’s flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli – A nutritious side that offers a vibrant color contrast and absorbs the delicious marinade.
Add a Flavorful Sauce
- Balsamic Reduction – Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- Herbed Yogurt Sauce – A refreshing yogurt sauce with herbs can balance the richness of the chicken.
Incorporate a Grain
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with tomatoes and cucumber provides a healthy base and adds freshness.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that pairs perfectly.
Include Fresh Salads
- Caprese Salad – This classic Italian salad combines fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, offering bright flavors.
- Mixed Green Salad – Tossed greens dressed in vinaigrette add crunch and freshness to your plate.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
To achieve the best results when making Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar, keep these tips in mind:
- Marinate Long Enough – Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours to absorb all flavors thoroughly.
- Preheat Your Grill – Ensure your grill is hot before adding the chicken for those beautiful grill marks.
- Use Even Thickness – Trim chicken breasts to uniform thickness to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Don’t Overcook – Remove the chicken as soon as it feels firm but not hard; overcooking will dry it out.
- Let It Rest – Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices.
- Experiment with Herbs – Try adding different herbs or spices to your marinade for unique flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
Pairing your grilled chicken with delightful side dishes enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings out their natural sweetness.
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that can be flavored with herbs or spices, perfect for light meals.
- Couscous Salad – Fluffy couscous mixed with veggies and herbs creates a delightful texture that complements grilled chicken.
- Sweet Potato Wedges – Crispy sweet potato wedges seasoned with salt make a sweet-savory pairing that’s hard to resist.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the savory flavor of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter and seasoning makes for an excellent summer side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar, avoiding common errors can ensure delicious results.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Failing to marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours can lead to bland flavors. Always allow ample time for the marinade to penetrate the meat.
- Not Preheating the Grill: Cooking on a cold grill can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high before adding the chicken.
- Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too much chicken on the grill at once can lower the temperature and affect cooking times. Grill in batches if necessary to maintain even heat.
- Ignoring Chicken Thickness: Unevenly sized chicken breasts will cook at different rates. Trim them to a uniform thickness or use a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Using Too Much Marinade: Over-marination can make chicken soggy rather than flavorful. Make sure to drain excess marinade before grilling.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
- Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight freezer bag; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth and covering it to steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar?
Marinate for at least 4-6 hours for optimal flavor infusion. For best results, consider marinating overnight.
Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?
Yes, while balsamic vinegar is recommended for its unique flavor, you can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
What sides pair well with Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar?
Serve it alongside fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Can I cook this chicken on a stovetop grill pan?
Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan works well; just ensure it’s preheated before adding the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Its rich flavor profile makes it suitable for various meals throughout the week. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends!
Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is the ultimate dish for any occasion, combining succulent chicken with a tangy and flavorful marinade. This recipe features a delightful mix of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs that work together to create a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for summer barbecues or healthy weeknight dinners, this chicken dish not only satisfies taste buds but also makes an impressive centerpiece for gatherings. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can easily elevate your meals while adhering to healthy eating plans like Paleo and Whole30. Get ready to enjoy perfectly grilled chicken that is both delicious and visually appealing!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried shallots or onion
- 1 tablespoon Spike seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken breasts and cut small slits on each side. Place in a Ziploc bag or container and pour marinade over chicken. Seal and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Remove chicken from the fridge and drain excess marinade. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Allow chicken to rest briefly before serving with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (140g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider marinating overnight. Pair with grilled vegetables or fresh salads for a complete meal.