Brown Sugar Balsamic Grilled Chicken (Easy 5 Ingredient Marinade)

This super simple balsamic grilled chicken will be your new favorite dinner idea. Made with a 5-ingredient balsamic chicken marinade, this balsamic chicken recipe is done and on the table in under 20 minutes! Great for cookouts, summer BBQ’s, potlucks and a fantastic make-ahead meal prep option.

Why this Brown Sugar Balsamic Chicken Marinade Works

Do you and your family enjoy grilled chicken?  If you’re anything like our family, grilled chicken is on the table at least once a week, because it’s something everyone enjoys. Not only is it a great healthy option for lunch or dinner, but chicken can often be a blank canvas to be dresses up with just about any sauce, rub or marinade.  

This fantastic Brown Sugar Balsamic Grilled Chicken is one of those amazing chicken recipes, perfect for throwing on the grill any night of the week. I’ve been making this 5 ingredient marinade for almost 10 years and it is a foolproof way to add flavor and juciness to chicken breasts and thighs. The flavors are fantastic, as the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar work together to make a sweet, and slightly tangy flavor to every bite of this juicy grilled chicken.

Not only is this amazing balsamic grilled chicken absolutely delicious, it’s incredibly simple to make. It’s done in a little less than 20 minutes, which means it’s perfect for the busiest of nights. Here’s the easy steps to making the marinade and grilling up a fantastic dinner!

What is needed to make this balsamic chicken marinade

• Olive oil – this is a staple ingredient for most grilled chicken marinade recipes. You can also swap the olive oil for avocado oil. Avocado has a high smoke point, which makes is great for the high heat of grilling.
• Balsamic vinegar – the rich, deep flavor of the balsamic vinegar will give this chicken marinade an amazing tangy flavor. It will also give it a darker, rich color and goes well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Brown sugar – the sweetness of the brown sugar pairs wonderfully with the balsamic vinegar. Once grilled, the brown sugar will create a great caramelized flavor from grilling.
• Minced garlic – great for adding flavor to the chicken, the minced garlic will pair well with the vinegar and brown sugar.
• Salt and pepper – keeping it simple, the salt and pepper finish the flavor well and create a basic seasoning for the chicken.

(For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure scroll down to the bottom of this post to the recipe card. Thanks!)

What kind of chicken is best for grilling with marinade?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are ideal for marinating and grilling. The chicken absorbs the marinade well. The chicken acts as a blank canvas for the flavors of the marinade and easily takes on the flavors when soaked in the liquid. Other cuts of chicken that also work with a marinade are bone-in chicken legs, quarters and bone-in breasts.

If you love a delicious chicken marinade, be sure to check out our Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade, Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Marinade, Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade and our Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Marinade.

How do I marinade chicken for grilling?

This balsamic chicken marinade recipe is not only delicious, it’s made with just 5 ingredients, and comes together in about 2 minutes.  As you can see from the photo above, I literally just mix this marinade together in a glass measuring cup that I use to measure out the olive oil and vinegar. From there I add in the brown sugar, garlic and pepper. Whisk well to get the brown sugar to dissolve with the rest of the ingredients.

Pour out and reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade to brush on the chicken as it grills, and then pour the rest over the chicken. This is an optional step but a great way to add additional flavor to your grilled chicken as it cooks.

Pour the Balsamic Chicken Marinade Over Chicken and Refrigerate

I like to marinate in a resealable zip bag, as it’s really easy to coat the chicken, however a resealable container or deep dish covered with plastic wrap works well also. From here, place the bag of marinated chicken in your refrigerator to marinate.

Another recipe where I use a similar balsamic marinade is my Grilled Steak Kabobs and my Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs recipes.

How long should I marinate chicken?

You can marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Many times I’ve marinated chicken in the late morning or early afternoon, for dinner that evening. I’ve also been a little short on time trying to pull dinner together in the late afternoon. Marinating the chicken for just 30 minutes will still give it some great flavor.

The longer the chicken can marinate, the more flavors it will have once cooked. I wouldn’t recommend marinating for more than 24 hours.

How long to grill marinated chicken breasts

Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, and how hot your grill gets will determine the cook time of the chicken breasts. On my gas grill, when heated to 375-400 degrees, chicken breasts of medium thickness need approximately 6-7 minutes per side to cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Please note that chicken breasts vary in size greatly. The thicker the chicken breast, the longer it will need to cook. Additionally, if the chicken is a bone-in breast, it will also need additional time. Thinner chicken cutlets will need less time – about 4 minutes per side.

For best results, I highly recommend investing in an instant-read digital meat thermometer. You know your chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature, taken on the thickest side of the breast reaches 165 degrees. When cutting into the chicken, the juices should run clear.

How do I keep chicken from sticking to the grill?

I’ve grilled hundreds of chicken breasts over the years. In my experience, the best way to make sure your chicken breasts don’t stick to the grill grates, is to ensure there is an ample amount of oil on the chicken or grates. You can either spray the grill grates (before the grill is lit) with avocado oil spray, or spray the chicken directly with the avocado oil spray. Spraying the oil directly on the chicken seems to be more effective, and the chicken is adequately coated.

Place the marinated chicken over indirect heat, and let it cook for approximately 6 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts, and then generously brush the chicken with the reserved marinade.  

Adding additional brown sugar balsamic marinade is a really great way to add some additional flavor to the chicken as it cooks. Cook another 6 minutes on the second side.

Can I use this brown sugar chicken marinade on other cuts of chicken?

Yes, definitely. This chicken marinade works for all cuts of chicken, both boneless and bone-in. Marinade time remains the same – 30 minutes minimum up to 24 hours maximum.

Here’s the standard grill times for each cut of chicken:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts (medium thickness): approximately 6 minutes per side
• Boneless Chicken Thighs (medium thickness): approximately 4 minutes per side
• Chicken Legs: approximately 10 minute per side, turning 3 times (30 minutes total)
• Bone-In Chicken Thighs: approximately 35 minutes total
• Bone-In Chicken Breasts: approximately 25-30 minutes total

How do I know when grilled chicken is done?

All grill temperatures vary, and depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, your cook times may vary. These chicken breasts were on the thicker side, and cooking them over medium-high heat for 6 minutes per side seems to be the sweet spot for my grill.

To test the doneness of chicken you can do a couple things; 1)use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. I have the ThermaPen ONE Instant Read Digital Thermometer, which works wonderfully for grilling and testing the internal temps of grilled meats.

Thermapen ONE Instant Read Digital Thermometer

This is my go-to tool for grilling and roasting! With a Thermapen there’s no guessing if or when the meat is done. The precise temperature will provide you with meat that is perfectly cooked, juicy and delicious EVERY time!

Recommended temperature for chicken needs to be near 165 degrees. You can also determine doneness by cutting through the thickest part of the chicken.  If the meat is completely white, no pink remains, and the juices run clear, the chicken will be done.

How do I store and reheat leftover grilled chicken (meal prep tips)

For best results, store your grilled chicken in an air-tight container with a tight fitting lid and store in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for 5 days refrigerated.

Can I freeze balsamic grilled chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this grilled chicken. I recommend slicing the chicken before freezing to make the thawing process faster. Store in a freezer container or freezer-safe plastic freezer bags that seal well. The chicken will keep frozen for up to three months? Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

What is the best way to reheat grilled chicken?

I actually recommend reheating grilled chicken in the air fryer or oven. Preheat air fryer or oven to 325 degrees. Heat for 3-5 minutes or until completely heated through. In a pinch you can reheat chicken in the microwave, but results tend to be dry, rubbery chicken – I don’t recommend it.

Can I make this in the oven or air fryer?

Yes, this brown sugar balsamic marinated chicken can be made in the oven or air fryer. To bake the chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 400° and bake for 18-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reach 165°.

To cook chicken breasts in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°. Cook at 375° for 10-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reached 165°. Remember that sizes of chicken breasts vary greatly, so be sure to use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Enjoy cooking with chicken breasts? Check out some of my other chicken breast recipes:

• Baked Italian Chicken
• Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
• Cashew Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables
• Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
• Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
• Pollo Asado Recipe
• BBQ Chicken Skewers
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

What can I serve with Brown Sugar Balsamic Grilled Chicken?

This Italian marinated chicken is wonderfully versatile and goes with numerous salads and sides. Here are some of our favorites:

• Blueberry Spring Mix Salad
• Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
• Cranberry Citrus Salad with Pecans
• Chicken and Mango Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Tri Color Rotini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
• Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
• Classic Macaroni Salad
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
• Roasted Carrot Salad with Apples and Pistachios
• Boursin Orso Bake with Spinach and Tomatoes

Looking for a balsamic salad dressing to go with your chicken and salad? This easy, delicious better-than-store-bought Honey Balsamic Salad Dressing is ideal.

Is balsamic chicken good for meal prep?

Yes, balsamic chicken is a fantastic meal prep protein! Making a double batch for dinner and refrigerating the rest for later is a great way to save time during busy weeknights. Store the chicken in a resealable container with a tight fitting lid. The chicken can remain whole or can be cut into strips or cubes for topping salads or including in wraps.

FAQ’s for making Balsamic Grilled Chicken

If you loved this fantastic Balsamic Grilled Chicken, be sure to check out some of my other grilled chicken recipes:

• Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
• BBQ Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
• Italian Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Caprese Chicken
• Grilled Chicken and Plum Skewers
• Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

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Brown Sugar Balsamic Grilled Chicken (Easy 5 Minute Marinade)

Erin Indahl-Fink

This super simple balsamic grilled chicken will be your new favorite dinner idea! Made with a 5-ingredient balsamic chicken marinade, this balsamic chicken recipe is done and on the table in under 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Dinner/Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 264 kcal

Equipment

• Gallon sized Zip-Lock Bags Ideal for marinating chicken and steak, these zip-lock bags keep everything sealed and spill-proof for refrigeration.
• Grilling Tongs These stainless steel grilling tongs by OXO are perfect for quick grilling.
• Mini Whisk Fantastic for small batch recipes, this mini whisk is ideal for dressings, sauces and marinades.

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb. chicken breasts about 3-4 medium breasts

For marinade:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2-3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper several turns of the pepper grinder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic and pepper. Reserve about 3 Tbsp. of the marinade and set aside.
• Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag (or resealable container with lid), and pour the remainder of the marinade over the chicken. Coat chicken well and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
• Heat grill to medium-high. Treat grill grates with olive oil, or non-stick grilling spray. (If using spray, be sure to turn OFF the grill, spray, and then turn back on.) Place chicken over indirect heat, and grill approximately 6 minutes (per side.) Once you turn the chicken, brush with the reserved balsamic marinade, and let it cook for its final 6 minutes.
• Remove chicken from grill, transfer to serving plate, and enjoy right away.

Notes

Checking for Doneness:

Be sure to check the chicken for doneness by either testing with a meat thermometer, insuring it has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees. You can also cut into the chicken – the meat is done when it is all white (no pink) and the juices run clear.

You can also use other types of chicken pieces besides breasts – legs, thighs, and even wings are great with this marinade.

Oven Directions:

This brown sugar balsamic marinated chicken can be made in the oven or air fryer. To bake the chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 400° and bake for 18-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reach 165°.

Air Fryer Directions:

To cook chicken breasts in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°. Cook at 375° for 10-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reached 165°. Remember that sizes of chicken breasts vary greatly, so be sure to use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Storage & Meal Prep:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a tight fitting lid and keep refrigerated. Leftover will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 41gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 37IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg

Keyword balsamic grilled chicken, balsamic chicken marinade, balsamic chicken recipe, brown sugar grilled chicken, grilled chicken marinade, balsamic chicken breast marinade

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