If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts soaked in a fragrant medley of fresh herbs and tangy balsamic vinegar, perfectly grilled to give you those irresistible smoky grill marks and layers of flavor in every bite. This recipe is my go-to when I want something that’s both elegantly simple and deeply satisfying, blending the bright notes of rosemary, thyme, and basil with the richness of olive oil and just a touch of honey. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about using fresh, quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each element plays a crucial role: herbs for that aromatic punch, balsamic vinegar for a touch of tang, and garlic for savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish truly shine:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces for uniform grilling and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich tang and subtle sweetness that balances the herbs perfectly.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps distribute flavors evenly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a bold punch of savoriness to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Offers woody, pine-like notes that elevate the dish’s aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Provides earthy, delicate herbal undertones.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery freshness that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken while grilling.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick to round out the marinade.
- Optional: extra herbs for garnish: Fresh herbs at the end amp up both aroma and presentation.
How to Make Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, basil, honey, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. This marinade is the heart and soul of your dish, melding sweetness, acidity, and herbal freshness for a flavor explosion.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, making sure every piece gets thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours, though overnight is best to let the flavors truly seep into the chicken.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. This temperature is perfect for searing the chicken quickly, locking in juices, and creating those mouthwatering grill marks we all love.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the breasts directly on the grill grates. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is juicy yet fully cooked, with a slightly charred, caramelized exterior.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once grilled, give the chicken a good 5 minutes to rest. This step is key because it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy instead of dry.
How to Serve Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil is a simple trick that lifts the dish’s visual appeal and intensifies the herbal aroma. You can also drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze if you want to dial up the sweet tanginess.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides: think a crisp garden salad, garlic-roasted potatoes, or even a vibrant quinoa pilaf studded with chopped veggies. These sides complement the herbaceous flavor without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens or atop whole-grain pasta for a hearty meal. You can also skewer the marinated chicken chunks for a delightful kebab presentation at your next barbecue.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps preserve the flavors and moisture, so it tastes just as amazing the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this chicken for later, it freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly bag or container for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll always have a flavorful protein ready for a quick meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep it moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. While fresh herbs offer a brighter flavor, dried herbs will still provide a lovely taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
The ideal marinating time is at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the herbs and balsamic to fully penetrate the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful all the way through.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this chicken another way?
Absolutely! You can pan-sear the chicken on the stove or bake it in the oven. Just cook over medium-high heat in a skillet or bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, turning once if pan-searing.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, resting the chicken for about 5 minutes after grilling is important. It helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender, juicy, and flavorful rather than dry or tough.
Can I double this Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe for a crowd?
For sure! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger container to marinate. Just make sure your grill has enough space to cook the chicken evenly, or cook in batches for the best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that excites your taste buds with every bite and impresses without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a perfect harmony of juicy, aromatic, and tangy flavors that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become a staple in your cooking rotation!
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Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 19 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Herb-Infused Balsamic Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of honey. Perfectly grilled to create delicious char marks, this dish combines savory herbs and a tangy sweetness for a simple yet elegant meal that’s ideal for any outdoor cookout or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Extra fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated, then seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it reaches the right temperature for grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), which guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute within the meat for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle extra fresh herbs over the chicken before serving to add a burst of aroma and a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Ensure the grill is properly heated to prevent sticking and to achieve nice grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Can be served with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
