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Balsamic Chicken Marinade Recipe

4.5 from 76 reviews

This Balsamic Chicken Marinade is a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs and spices that tenderize and infuse chicken with a delicious savory-sweet taste. Perfect for marinating chicken breasts or thighs before grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade enhances juiciness and depth of flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

  1. Whisk marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a balanced marinade.
  2. Combine chicken: Place 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish suitable for marinating.
  3. Marinate chicken: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken in the bag or dish. Seal the bag tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating and penetration of flavors.
  4. Refrigerate: Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse and the chicken to tenderize effectively.
  5. Cook as desired: After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it using your preferred method—grilling, baking, or pan-searing—for a deliciously flavorful result. Discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
  • Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless it is boiled first to kill bacteria.
  • This marinade works well with both chicken breasts and thighs; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • You can add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
  • Serving suggestion: pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

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