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Balsamic Chicken Marinade Recipe – with video

4.42
/5
2 hrs 5 mins
43 Comments
Jump to Recipe Video
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 09/06/2017Updated: 06/23/2022

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This balsamic chicken marinade is made using all ingredients you probably have on hand. It will become a favorite for both grilling and cooking in the oven! Get the easy recipe on RachelCooks.com!

This balsamic chicken marinade is made using ingredients you probably have on hand. It will become a favorite for both grilling and baking in the oven!

Two grilled portions of chicken on blue rimmed white plate, garnished with chopped parsley.

I know the “interwebs” are full of pumpkin spice everything at this point, but we’re still keeping the grill going strong. If you’re not, make sure to bookmark this one for next grilling season, OR try it in your oven or a nice hot skillet on the stove. Have an air fryer? This marinated chicken is so good air fried.

I made this recently for a Labor Day family barbeque. One of the reasons I chose to make this marinade and not one of my usual ones (like this Greek marinade or my personal favorite shish tawook marinade), is because I was embarking on Whole 30. I must be out of my mind, right? NO POPCORN FOR 30 DAYS. Guys, I can do this. Right?

One question I keep getting from people when I tell them I’m doing Whole 30 is “WHY?”

And I get it. Beans are a friend of mine. Whole grains, too. And I don’t think dairy is the devil, obviously (I actually think it’s pretty great) — you’ll see a wealth of cheese, milk and butter here on Rachel Cooks.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with eating these foods. My diet isn’t overly sugary to begin with and I really only drink alcohol if we go out for dinner on the weekends or have guests over. So that part of it will be easy.

Well, not easy, but not impossible. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. I am writing this on day 1 though, so check back in 10 days and see if I still say it’s “easy.”

One of the main reasons I want to do Whole 30 is to retrain my brain in terms of food. So often if we’ve had a stressful bedtime with the kids, I come downstairs and I tell myself that I “need” a bowl of popcorn. No, I do not! I’m not hungry, I’m just stress eating. Or eating it because I like to unwind and watch TV with a bowl of butter-laden popcorn.

So, my mom is going to babysit my air popper (she threatened to sell it — what a meanie!) and I’m going to stay away from purchasing a new air popper on Amazon Prime.

I also want to see how I feel with the absence of these foods in my life. I’m pretty stubborn and strong-willed so it’s more a test of me than anything else. I want to put myself to the test and see how I fare with this exercise of willpower and discipline. Anyone done it? I know you’re out there! I’d love to hear your tips — could you leave them and any favorite Whole 30 recipes in the comment section?

Overhead of two portions of grilled chicken on small plate, with blue plaid cloth underneath.

Anyways, verrrrry long story short, I was hoping there would be some of this chicken leftover for me to eat once I started Whole 30, so I didn’t want to use yogurt in the marinade like I normally do. But there wasn’t any left. That’s a good sign that it was a success and I’ll definitely be making this balsamic chicken marinade time and time again.

PS: This site is not turning into all Whole 30 recipes for the next 30 days, or ever. I have lots of great content to share with you while I’m enjoying all my meat and vegetables. Don’t you worry! However, if you are looking for Whole30 inspiration, check out my list of easy Whole30 recipes. The recipes on this list are delicious wholesome eating whether you’re on Whole30 or not.

Front view of grilled chicken.

If you don’t want to grill this, it would be great broiled, baked, air fried, or cooked in a grill pan too. It would be absolutely fantastic on top of a salad or pasta.

The balsamic chicken marinade is very simple — without salt and pepper, it’s only 4 ingredients. You whisk together olive oil (I know you have some of that!), balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add some salt and pepper and it’s chicken marinade perfection.

Tip: If you prefer, you can use a couple of cloves of minced garlic. I have family members who are sensitive to garlic so I often opt for garlic powder. Both will work great in this recipe!

I’d recommend marinating this chicken for at least 2 hours, but you can leave it in the marinade (in the fridge, of course!) for up to 24 hours. 

Love balsamic vinegar?

So do I! Here’s a few more recipes you may want to try:

  • Honey Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
  • Roasted Mushrooms with Balsamic, Thyme, and Dijon Mustard
  • Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
  • Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Balsamic Glaze

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Two portions of grilled chicken on small blue rimmed white plate.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Marinade Recipe

4.42 from 243 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Additional Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
6 servings
Print Rate Recipe
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A marinade made with ingredients you probably have on hand, it's going to become a favorite for either grilling or baking in the oven!

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, white or dark (see note)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (see note)

Instructions

  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Place chicken in a bowl or a zip-top bag and pour marinade over chicken. Make sure all parts of the chicken are coated with marinade.
  • Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours before cooking.
  • Cook until internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant read thermometer. Note: This is my favorite thermometer!

Notes

  • Makes enough marinade for 1 to 4 pounds of chicken. Choose any cut of chicken you like. 
  • I like to use white balsamic vinegar so I don’t discolor the chicken, but traditional balsamic vinegar will work too. 
  • Nutritional information is a very rough estimate, given that much of the marinade is thrown out.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 266kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 469mg, Potassium: 592mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 68IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 32mg, Iron: 1mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
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  1. David Mathews says

    August 9, 2019 at 12:03 am

    One of the best and easiest recipes I’ve ever found.  Used a giant zip lock bag to marinate for 4 hours.  Used a glass baking dish.  Cut large breasts crosswise into four pieces. Topped each piece with a fresh lemon slice.  Baked uncovered for 30 min. at 350 F.  Used high quality ingredients: Kasandrinos Olive Oil and Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar.  Huge flavors.  Wonderful result with a simple Greek salad.  Highest recommendation.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 9, 2019 at 10:49 am

      Oh I’m so happy to hear you liked this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment, it means a lot to me!

      Reply
  2. Emma says

    May 24, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Marinated the chicken and about to put it in the oven. The recipe doesn’t specify at what temperature to cook the chicken in the oven nor for how many minutes to cook the cutlets.  Since many commentators have recommended cooking the chicken on the stovetop, I think I’ll try that!! The marinade smells delicious. I think I may add green olives and even prunes if I have them—a variation of Chicken Marbella! I’ll let you know how it turns out!!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      May 25, 2019 at 10:09 am

      I hope you loved it!

      Reply
  3. Jill says

    March 19, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Making this for dinner adding feta cheese and calomota olives

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      March 19, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Great idea! I hope you love it!

      Reply
  4. Mary says

    February 13, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    We’ve made this several times. I throw the chicken in the marinade on the day I do my shopping and we’ve grilled it anywhere from 24 to 72 hours later with great results. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 14, 2019 at 9:05 am

      I’m so happy to hear that you like this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

      Reply
  5. Julie says

    January 6, 2019 at 8:05 am

    I made this chicken recipe with dark meat on the barbecue and it was incredible.  We were 11 people and everyone from my 9 month old daughter to her grandparents were licking their fingers.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      January 6, 2019 at 10:08 am

      So happy to hear that! Thanks Julie! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

      Reply
  6. Lourdes Salinas says

    December 2, 2018 at 10:13 am

    Tried this with a side of caramelized carrots, yellow onion, and cherry tomatoes. It was perfect! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 2, 2018 at 10:58 am

      Sounds like the perfect meal! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

      Reply
  7. Natalie says

    November 15, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    Super easy, super delicious! Even though I tend to overcook chicken, this marinade keeps it tender.

    So glad you shared this recipe, Rachel. Now I have something to fix for “my” night to cook dinner on our extended family vacation this summer!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 16, 2018 at 10:49 am

      So glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

      Reply
  8. Renee E says

    November 12, 2018 at 9:14 am

    This was so so good!  The kids and husband loved it too

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 12, 2018 at 11:16 am

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks Renee!

      Reply
  9. Elyce says

    November 10, 2018 at 12:40 am

    I’m trying this recipe tomorrow night. I’ve made another version of a balsamic marinade that had soy sauce, as most do. I wanted to cut down on soy & sodium, so was thrilled to find this recipe. I plan to add some white wine.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 11, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      I hope you love it!

      Reply
  10. Alicia L says

    October 22, 2018 at 12:22 pm

    I cooked this two ways! First meal it was grilled on my George Foreman, which was delicious, but letting it marinate for 24 hours and then cooking it on the stove to throw into pasta was the best!! Just finished prepping a second batch of chicken with the marinade!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      October 25, 2018 at 2:37 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

      Reply
  11. Mylene Smith says

    September 25, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    This was delicious! I cooked it on the stove, and it came out juicy and sweet. I guess the balsamic vinegar made it taste a bit sweet. I caramelized so well. Cut the chicken up and had it over salad. YUMMERS!!!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      September 25, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      Hy Mylene, I’m so glad to hear you liked this marinade! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment, it means so much to me!

      Reply
  12. Mackenzie Cartwright says

    August 5, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious! Also really easy to follow with the recipe! I will have to go with your suggestion and try it over pasta!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 6, 2018 at 6:07 am

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  13. Scott says

    April 13, 2018 at 6:47 am

    Can this marinade be used with fish, specifically tilapia?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      April 14, 2018 at 8:29 am

      I think it would be great!

      Reply
  14. Joy Patton says

    January 4, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    I’m wondering (three months later!) how your 30 days went.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      January 5, 2018 at 6:37 am

      It went really well! I’m actually starting my second one on Monday!

      Reply
  15. Melissa Griffiths says

    September 6, 2017 at 10:06 pm

    So simple, but it looks so tasty! Good luck on your Whole 30! Popcorn is hard to resist!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      September 7, 2017 at 7:57 am

      So hard! Thanks!

      Reply
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