Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is a delightful and versatile dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. With its tangy marinade and juicy texture, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or meal prep for the week ahead. You will love how easy it is to prepare and how well it pairs with a variety of sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard creates a rich flavor that elevates the chicken.
• Healthy Option: Grilled chicken is a lean protein choice that fits perfectly into various dietary plans.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over salads, in sandwiches, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Easily Scalable: Whether cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar, you will need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Ziploc bag or container
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and gives those beautiful grill marks that enhance presentation.
• Ziploc bag or container: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly without mess.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Colander: Helps drain excess marinade efficiently before grilling.

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Ingredients

To prepare Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Marinade

• 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Spices

• 1 T dried parsley
• 1 T dried shallots or onion (or 2 T minced fresh shallots or onion)
• 1 T Spike seasoning (see notes)
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. If desired, use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to grind together the dried parsley, dried shallots (or onions), Spike seasoning, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and the prepared spices to create your marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Trim all fat and tendons from each chicken breast for even cooking; you may also trim the underside if necessary.
2. To help with marinading, make small slits crosswise along each chicken breast.
3. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or container with a snap-tight lid. Pour the marinade over the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours (or longer if desired).

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil it lightly using a paper towel dipped in oil.
3. Lay the marinated chicken diagonally across the grill grates, top side down first, cooking until grill marks appear (about 3 minutes).
4. Rotate each piece diagonally in the opposite direction to create crosshatch marks; cook for another few minutes until done.
5. Flip each piece of chicken over and cook until browned on both sides—this should take just a few additional minutes depending on thickness.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that enhance its flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Salads

• Mixed Greens: Pair the chicken with a salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.
• Caesar Salad: Add slices of grilled chicken to a classic Caesar salad for a heartier meal that balances flavors beautifully.

In Sandwiches or Wraps

• Chicken Wrap: Roll the grilled chicken in a whole grain wrap with lettuce, avocado, and your choice of sauce for a quick lunch.
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Serve on toasted whole grain bread with fresh veggies and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added flavor.

With Grains

• Quinoa Bowl: Serve sliced grilled chicken over a bed of quinoa topped with roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
• Rice Pilaf: Accompany the chicken with a flavorful rice pilaf, adding herbs or nuts for texture and taste.

On Skewers

• Grilled Skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes and thread them onto skewers with bell peppers and onions before grilling for fun finger food.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

To achieve juicy and flavorful grilled chicken, follow these tips for perfection every time.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for 6–12 hours enhances the flavor significantly.
• Even Thickness: Ensure all chicken breasts are of similar thickness to allow for even cooking on the grill.
• Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill creates those beautiful grill marks while sealing in juices. Preheating properly is key.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check doneness by using a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the grilled chicken rest for at least five minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to complement your Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort and richness to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds an elegant touch while being simple to prepare.
4. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of grilled chicken.
5. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs offers a light yet filling side option.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds sweetness and smokiness that pairs well with balsamic flavors.
7. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with vegetables and Italian dressing makes for an ideal summer side dish.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring both sweetness and crunch, making them an excellent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking grilled chicken can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating your chicken leads to bland flavor. Always marinate for several hours or overnight for the best taste.
• Using cold chicken: Cooking chicken straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. Allow your chicken to reach room temperature before grilling.
• Not preheating the grill: Grilling on a cold surface can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before adding the chicken.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Neglecting to oil the grill: Skipping this step can lead to sticking. Always oil your grill grates before adding the chicken.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar.

Can I use other vinegars instead of balsamic?

Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure my grilled chicken stays juicy?

Marinating is key! Make sure you marinate your chicken long enough and avoid overcooking it on the grill.

What side dishes go well with Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar?

Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or quinoa for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe using turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey breast works well and will absorb the marinade flavors beautifully.

How long does it take to grill chicken breasts?

Typically, grilling time is around 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different marinades or sides based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and elevate your grilling game!