Introduction

This tender chicken marinade transforms simple boneless chicken breasts into juicy, flavorful delights. With a balanced blend of tangy, sweet, and savory ingredients, this marinade is perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a deliciously seasoned meal.

The image shows several grilled chicken breasts with clear dark grill marks, placed closely together on a bed of fresh green leafy herbs. The chicken breasts have a golden-brown color with a slightly shiny, glazed surface and small pieces of chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly on top. They rest on a plate, which is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
1/8 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp garlic powder
6 boneless chicken breasts (about 3.5 lb total)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue whisking until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the marinade is well blended. Reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade in a separate container for basting later.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently massage to coat all the pieces evenly. For deeper flavor, poke holes in the chicken with a fork before marinating. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4 to 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.
Step 3: About 15 minutes before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade that touched the raw chicken.
Step 4: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is no longer pink. Baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and enhance flavor, ideally once midway through cooking each side.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

Try adding fresh minced garlic or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option; adjust grilling time accordingly.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
To add freshness, garnish the cooked chicken with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out. The marinade itself should not be reused after raw chicken has been in contact with it, but you can prepare extra marinade separately for basting or serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a piece of grilled chicken held by a fork, showing a juicy inside layer of white cooked meat with a slightly browned outer layer covered in a glossy sauce and sprinkled with small green herb bits and black pepper. In the background, more pieces of grilled chicken with the same golden-brown, glossy, and herb-speckled texture rest on a white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the shine on the sauce and the texture of the chicken skin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight (up to 24 hours) intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat even more, resulting in a deliciously juicy dish.

Is it necessary to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade?

Basting with the reserved marinade is optional but highly recommended as it helps keep the chicken moist and boosts the flavor during grilling.