Balsamic Chicken Marinade
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This balsamic chicken marinade is made using ingredients you probably have on hand. It will become a favorite for either grilling or baking in the oven!
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This is a super easy marinade to make and it’s really versatile.
How long it takes: 5 minutes, plus marinating time
Equipment you’ll need: small bowl
Servings: makes enough marinade for 1 to 4 pounds of meat
I recently marinated a big batch of boneless skinless chicken breasts. My parents were coming over for dinner and I had a family pack of chicken in the fridge. Although one of my standbys is this zesty Italian chicken marinade, I was looking for something a little different to serve with my pasta and spicy tomato arrabbiata sauce.
I decided on this balsamic chicken marinade. It’s super easy and makes enough for a big package of chicken. With garlic, Italian seasoning, and tangy balsamic vinegar, I knew it would go great with my pasta dish, plus I had everything I needed in my pantry which meant no last minute dashes to the grocery store.
This is one of my favorite marinades. It adds tons of flavor to plain chicken because let’s face it: boneless skinless chicken breasts need a little help. They are a healthy source of protein but they can be kinda boring.
The marinated chicken was a big hit with my family. I was hoping there would be some chicken left over for me to eat for lunch the next day but there wasn’t any left. That’s a good sign that it was a success.
Why You’ll Love This Marinade
Simple: You won’t need fancy ingredients to make balsamic chicken marinade. Not counting salt and pepper, there’s just 4 ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. It takes less than five minutes to stir up and packs a lot of flavor.
Better than bottled marinades: If you’ve been buying bottled marinades or those little packets of marinade mix, you may want to reconsider. It’s way more economical to make your own and so easy! Commercial marinades are often loaded with extra salt and sugar, in addition to preservatives and “natural flavors” which really aren’t natural at all.
Make it ahead: This easy marinade is a great one to start out with and it may become the only marinade you ever use. It’s that good! You can even let the chicken marinate overnight so it’s seasoned and ready to go when you are.
Versatile (choose your preferred cooking method): By the way, marinated chicken does not have to be grilled. If you don’t want to grill tonight, it’s great baked in the oven, air fried, or cooked in a grill pan too.
I’ll run through the basics here. The recipe card near the end of the post has measurements, and instructions for making the marinade and cooking the chicken (grill, bake, or air fry).
What You’ll Need
- Olive Oil: A key ingredient of marinades, olive oil helps keep boneless chicken breasts moist and tender. It also aids in browning.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Most of you are probably familiar with dark colored aged balsamic vinegar. It adds a rich tangy flavor to many dishes. However, for this chicken marinade, I prefer white balsamic vinegar. It’s a little lighter in flavor and doesn’t discolor the chicken. If all you have in your pantry is regular balsamic vinegar, no worries. It will work just fine.
- Italian Seasoning: Combined with the balsamic vinegar, this blend of dry herbs adds just the right flavor notes. A popular brand contains: marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory, and sage.
- Garlic Powder: This fine light golden powder adds a mild garlic flavor. It is pure dehydrated garlic that has been ground into a powder. If you prefer a bolder garlic flavor, mince a few cloves of fresh garlic to add instead.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that add so much!
- Chicken: This marinade will work for any cut of chicken. It’s written for boneless skinless chicken breasts but if you prefer dark meat, marinate boneless skinless chicken thighs instead. Bone-in cuts are fine, too, including drumsticks or wings. In fact, this marinade is great for pork tenderloin or steak, too.
How To Make This Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients listed above (look at the recipe card below for measurements).
There are two good ways to marinate meat:
- In a resealable bag: Simply place the chicken pieces inside the bag, pour in the marinade, seal the bag, and squish the marinade around so it completely coats the chicken. Put the bag in a baking dish to ensure that you don’t end up with leaks in the refrigerator which is nasty and a pain to clean up.
- In a bowl: Place the chicken in a bowl, pour the marinade on it, and stir to make sure the chicken is coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
The chicken can be grilled, baked, air fried, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan. Cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Try not to overcook boneless skinless chicken breasts. They can become rather dry.
Marinated chicken can be served as a main course with pasta and sauce. Garnish the chicken with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano. Serve it with fresh tomato pasta, which features a no-cook sauce made with marinated tomatoes.
Slice the chicken and put it on a salad or sandwich. It’s great in a bowl, too, like this quinoa bowl with roasted tomatoes, ricotta and balsamic.
FAQs
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.
Generally, it’s not a great idea to cook chicken in its marinade. Marinades often contain an acid such as vinegar or citrus juice. When the marinade cooks, it may become bitter or too concentrated. The chicken may turn out soggy or too mushy.
Never reuse a marinade to baste the chicken or as a sauce to put on the chicken unless it has been cooked thoroughly to remove pathogens. It should be boiled at least 5 minutes before using.
Make It Your Own
- Try the marinade on pork or steak. It’s perfect for almost any type of meat.
- Choose your cooking method. Not in the mood to grill? No problem, this marinated chicken can be baked, air fried, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan. You’ll find instructions on the recipe card below.
- Amp up the garlic. Love garlic? Substitute minced garlic cloves for the garlic powder.
- Looking for something else? Looking for the best soy sauce marinade? Try my Asian chicken marinade or take a look at the marinade recipes listed below.
Make-Ahead Ideas
The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours. Stir up the marinade the night before, pour it over the chicken and refrigerate.
Like to food prep? Cook up a big batch of chicken and refrigerate or freeze it for future meals.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. It will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Chicken can be reheated in the microwave or in your air fryer.
Interested in a weekly meal plan (it’s free!) that includes this marinated chicken? Take a look at my Meal Plan #17. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. Let me do the planning for you this week!
We’ll be adding a new meal plan weekly. If you’re interested, browse all of our meal plans.
Love balsamic vinegar?
So do I! Here are a few more recipes you may want to try:
- Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
- Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs
- 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!
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. When ready to cook, remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard marinade.
- To Grill: Grill chicken over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness of meat and exact grill temperature. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken in greased baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Baking time depends on thickness of chicken pieces.
- To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer at 375°F for five minutes. Place chicken in air fryer in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip, and continue to cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is done. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Cook chicken (all methods) until internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant read thermometer. Do not overcook.
Notes
- Makes enough marinade for 1 to 4 pounds of chicken. Choose any cut of chicken you like.
- I often like to use white balsamic vinegar which doesn’t discolor the chicken but traditional balsamic vinegar is fine, too.
- Nutritional information is a very rough estimate, given that much of the marinade is thrown out.
Nutrition Information
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.
David Mathews says
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.
Rachel Gurk says
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!
Emma says
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!!
Rachel Gurk says
I hope you loved it!
Jill says
Making this for dinner adding feta cheese and calomota olives
Rachel Gurk says
Great idea! I hope you love it!
Mary says
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!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so happy to hear that you like this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Julie says
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.
Rachel Gurk says
So happy to hear that! Thanks Julie! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Lourdes Salinas says
Tried this with a side of caramelized carrots, yellow onion, and cherry tomatoes. It was perfect! Thanks for the recipe.
Rachel Gurk says
Sounds like the perfect meal! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Natalie says
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!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Renee E says
This was so so good! The kids and husband loved it too
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks Renee!
Elyce says
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.
Rachel Gurk says
I hope you love it!
Alicia L says
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!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Mylene Smith says
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!!!
Rachel Gurk says
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!
Mackenzie Cartwright says
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!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Scott says
Can this marinade be used with fish, specifically tilapia?
Rachel Gurk says
I think it would be great!
Joy Patton says
I’m wondering (three months later!) how your 30 days went.
Rachel Gurk says
It went really well! I’m actually starting my second one on Monday!
Melissa Griffiths says
So simple, but it looks so tasty! Good luck on your Whole 30! Popcorn is hard to resist!
Rachel Gurk says
So hard! Thanks!