– **Title**: Glazed Balsamic Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
3. Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Optional: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with a little additional balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. Serve the chicken garnished with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy it with your favorite sides!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too and offer more flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient adds that deliciously tangy flavor. If you run out, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also work, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as substitutes if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can substitute it with avocado oil or any neutral oil, but olive oil gives a nice flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s aroma and taste. If you don’t have fresh, one teaspoon of garlic powder can stand in, but fresh is always best for that kick!
How Do I Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is the key here! Marinating helps the flavors penetrate and keeps the chicken moist. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish to make sure the chicken is well-coated with marinade.
- For at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the balsamic and honey to work their magic.
- Before grilling, let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and best results. Enjoy!
How to Make Glazed Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for marinating. Overall, you should plan for about 40-45 minutes from start to finish, allowing for the chicken to marinate and then grill.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 4 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Once heated, take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Make sure to discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and when you see those beautiful grill marks.
5. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your tasty glazed balsamic chicken with your favorite sides!
Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile slightly, so adjust the honey if you prefer it sweeter.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavor! Just ensure that the chicken is well-sealed in the marinade to prevent any cross-contamination. Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out, or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
What Sides Pair Well with Glazed Balsamic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze!
