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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Balsamic marinated chicken on grill glazed with balsamic marinade.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Course Dinner/Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings

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

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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